Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with US President Joe Biden for bilateral talks during the Quad Summit at Biden’s residence in Delaware.
The discussion covered key topics, including the MQ-9B Predator drone agreement and the establishment of a semiconductor plant in Kolkata.
According to a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs, “Prime Minister Modi highlighted the comprehensive global strategic partnership between India and the USA, rooted in shared democratic values, mutual interests, and strong people-to-people connections.”
The talks aimed to enhance US-India bilateral relations in areas of common interest, as noted by the Minister of External Affairs. The leaders also exchanged views on regional and global matters, particularly regarding the Indo-Pacific region.
The White House added that both leaders expressed strong optimism about the deepening partnership, emphasizing the efforts of their governments and societies to build even closer ties in the future.
MQ-9B Predator Drone Deal
PM Modi and President Biden discussed defense cooperation, including the acquisition of drones and joint military exercises. President Biden welcomed India’s decision to purchase 31 General Atomics MQ-9B drones (16 Sky Guardian and 15 Sea Guardian), which will enhance India’s intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities.
The US had approved the sale of these drones to India at an estimated cost of $3.99 billion in February. The Indian Navy will receive 15 Sea Guardian drones, while the Indian Air Force and Army will each get eight Sky Guardian drones.
The MQ-9B Predator is notable for its stealth capability, allowing it to operate silently and fly as low as 250 meters without detection. It can reach altitudes over 50,000 feet and has a maximum speed of 442 km/h.
Another key feature is its ability to undertake long missions in various weather conditions. Besides air-to-air missiles, the drone can be outfitted with air-to-ground missiles.
The MQ-9B can carry a payload of approximately 1,700 kg, including four missiles and around 450 kg of bombs, and has a range of 2,000 miles without refueling. It can operate continuously or hover over targets for up to 35 hours, as per its manufacturer, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems.
