New Delhi: In anticipation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's trip to the US, the Defence Ministry on Thursday approved the purchase of American Predator (MQ-9 Reaper) drones, with the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) having final say.

"Today's Defence Acquisition Council meeting approved the purchase of Predator drones. The Cabinet Committee on Security will now have to approve the acquisition proposal after it has gone through a process, according to sources in the defence industry.

The Defence Ministry's highest decision-making body for acquisitions is the DAC. The CCS approves all high value purchases in their entirety. The arrangement, in which 15 drones will be sent to the marine force for surveillance activities within its domain, is being spearheaded by the Indian Navy.

The three services also intend to purchase similar medium-altitude, long endurance drones from domestic manufacturers.

Between June 21 and June 24, Prime Minister Modi will go to the US, where he will stay at the White House with US President Joe Biden. In his nine years as prime minister, PM Modi will be making his first state visit to the US on this trip.

During his tour, PM Narendra Modi will also make history by being the first Indian PM to address the Joint Meeting of the US Congress twice. The Prime Minister's invitation to address the US Congress, according to Indian Americans, serves as a reminder of the historical importance of the relationship between the US and India, representing the two countries' shared commitment to and dream of world peace and prosperity, particularly in the Indo-Pacific area. 

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