India and the United States are keen for an early conclusion of the 30 MQ-9B predator armed drones deal at a cost of over USD 3 billion, which will help New Delhi strengthen its overall surveillance apparatus along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and the Indian Ocean.
In the works for more than five years, the ball is now in India’s court, officials familiar with the development said Wednesday, without explaining further.
The MQ-9B predator armed drones — 10 each for three services — is seen to be a key part of India’s national security and defense needs.
The officials did not elaborate further but ruled out that there was any bureaucratic hurdle or regulatory issues involved.
