International Desk: India has signed a historic agreement with America. After long negotiations, New Delhi is finally going to buy 31 American predator drones. Washington gave the green signal to this drone deal last year. Officially, the drone purchase process was completed on Tuesday. However, it is not yet known when this drone will come to India.
India bought drones
According to Indian media India Today, an agreement worth Rs 32,000 crore (Tk 45,000 crore) has been signed between the two countries. In return, America will hand over 31 'Predator drones' to India. However, getting these drones will cost 34,500 crore rupees (about 50,000 crore rupees).
Many feel that this agreement is very significant in the context of the dispute with China on the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh. However, the Indian government did not comment on this.
Earlier, the central government decided to buy 'Sea Guardian' and 'Sky Guardian' versions of Predator 'MQ-9B' for Indian land, naval and air forces. Recently, the 'Quad' summit was held in Delaware, America. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi went there.
Modi also held talks with US President Joe Biden. The signing of the agreement between the two countries on this drone in less than a month is believed to be the result of the talks between the two heads of state.
Last week, the Modi government's cabinet approved the deal. Anandabazar Patrika, another Indian news outlet, quoted a government source as saying that out of the 31 drones, 15 could be acquired by the Navy, 8 by the Army and the remaining 8 by the Air Force.
From Taliban founder Mullah Muhammad Omar to Al Qaeda chief Ayman al-Zawahiri — there are many who have been 'victims' of America's Predator drones over the past two decades. The book name of this drone made by General Atomics is 'MQ-9B'.
In 2017, the then US President Donald Trump announced that the drone would be given to India. The Ministry of Defense of India has also taken a preliminary decision to purchase the 'Sea Guardian' and 'Sky Guardian' versions of a total of 31 Predator 'MQ-9B'. Finally the agreement was signed.
Military analysts believe that if Predator drones with the ability to fly continuously for 27 hours at an altitude of 50,000 feet are available, it will be possible for the Indian Army to conduct operations like Balakot without any risk. The Indian Army was also eager to get this drone capable of hitting the perfect target with bombs and missiles weighing more than 1,700 kg.
India Today says that these drones may be based in 4 places in India. These are INS Rajali near Chennai, Parbandar in Gujarat, Sarsawa and Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh.
