PM Modi And Biden Discuss Key Deals At Quad Summit: MQ-9B Predator, Semiconductor Plant And More
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and U.S. President Joe Biden met during the Quad Summit in Delaware on Saturday to further strengthen the India-US strategic partnership.
The leaders discussed a range of issues, including the much-anticipated procurement of MQ-9B Predator drones, which are expected to significantly enhance India’s defense capabilities.
Major Boost to India’s Defense with MQ-9B Drone Procurement
During the meeting held at President Biden’s residence in Wilmington, PM Modi expressed appreciation for Biden’s role in advancing the bilateral partnership.
One key highlight was the progress toward India’s acquisition of 31 General Atomics MQ-9B drones.
The deal, worth an estimated USD 3.99 billion, includes 16 Sky Guardian and 15 Sea Guardian drones for the Indian armed forces. These drones, equipped with advanced intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) technology, are poised to strengthen India’s military operations across land, sea, and air.
The MQ-9B Predator drones are known for their stealth capabilities, allowing them to operate undetected at altitudes as low as 250 meters from the ground. They can fly at an altitude of 50,000 feet and carry a payload of up to 1,700 kg, including missiles and bombs.
These drones offer long-range capabilities, with the ability to fly continuously for up to 35 hours, making them a game-changer for India’s defense and security infrastructure.
Collaboration on Semiconductor Supply Chain: A New Chapter in Tech Partnership
In addition to defense, Modi and Biden also discussed technology collaborations, particularly in semiconductor manufacturing.
The leaders praised efforts to establish resilient semiconductor supply chains, including the development of GlobalFoundries’ (GF) Kolkata Power Center. This initiative aims to foster chip manufacturing research and enable innovations in areas like AI, zero-emission vehicles, connected devices, and data centers.
This move aligns with India’s growing role in the global tech ecosystem, and the partnership is expected to drive significant advances in critical sectors, further boosting economic ties between the two nations.
Comprehensive Strategic Partnership on the Rise
PM Modi emphasized that India and the U.S. share a comprehensive global strategic partnership, built on democratic values and strong people-to-people connections. The ongoing cooperation in trade, investment, defense, and technology highlights the upward trajectory of India-US relations.
As both countries continue to explore new avenues for collaboration, the recent discussions signal a promising future for deeper strategic ties, with potential benefits in defense, technology, and global economic stability.
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