PM Modi and President Biden Strengthen India-US Strategic Ties During Quad Summit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and U.S. President Joe Biden held a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the Quad Summit in Delaware, focusing on key aspects of the India-US strategic partnership. A major highlight of their discussion was India’s procurement of MQ-9B Predator drones, a move that is set to significantly boost India’s surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities.
President Biden welcomed India’s decision to acquire 31 General Atomics MQ-9B drones, a deal aimed at enhancing the country’s defense operations. This procurement, approved by the U.S. earlier in February, is valued at approximately USD 3.99 billion. The Indian Navy is set to receive 15 Sea Guardian drones, while the Indian Air Force and Army will each get eight Sky Guardian drones.
In a joint statement, both leaders commended the progress made under the U.S.-India defense industrial cooperation roadmap. They highlighted ongoing collaborations in critical areas such as jet engine manufacturing, munitions, and ground mobility systems, emphasizing the deepening defense ties between the two nations.
“President Biden welcomed the progress towards India concluding procurement of 31 General Atomics MQ-9B (16 Sky Guardian and 15 Sea Guardian) remotely piloted aircraft and their associated equipment, which will enhance the intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities of India’s armed forces across all domains,” read the joint fact sheet.
The MQ-9B Predator drone, known for its stealth capabilities, can operate at altitudes up to 50,000 feet and travel 2,000 miles without refueling. With a payload capacity of 1,700 kg, including four missiles and 450 kg of bombs, the drone is a versatile asset that can hover over targets for up to 35 hours.
**Semiconductor Manufacturing Plant in Kolkata**
Apart from defense, both leaders discussed enhancing the resilience of semiconductor supply chains. Notably, they praised the creation of the GlobalFoundries Kolkata Power Center, a project aimed at strengthening India’s chip manufacturing capabilities. This initiative is expected to facilitate advances in emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, zero and low-emission vehicles, and data centers.
Modi and Biden also underscored efforts to boost collaboration in undersea and maritime domain awareness. The recent partnership between Liquid Robotics and Sagar Defence Engineering for the co-development of unmanned surface vehicles was recognized as a key step in this direction.
**Strengthening Defense and Aviation Cooperation**
In addition to drone procurement, the two leaders welcomed the recently concluded Security of Supply Arrangement (SOSA), which ensures mutual supply of defense goods and services. They also applauded the teaming of Lockheed Martin and Tata Advanced Systems Ltd on the C-130J Super Hercules aircraft program, further boosting India’s aerospace capabilities.
Looking ahead, the leaders emphasized the importance of collaboration in advanced fields such as space and cybersecurity. Areas of cooperation will include sharing threat information, conducting cybersecurity training, and addressing vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure like energy and telecommunications networks.
The India-US relationship has witnessed significant growth in recent years, especially in areas like trade, defense, and technology. With the latest discussions, the two countries are poised to deepen their partnership, paving the way for greater cooperation in the future.
