US clears Guardian drone sale to India

Washington, June 27: The US has cleared the sale of predator Guardian drones to India to enhance its maritime surveillance capabilities, as President Donald Trump and PM Narendra Modi pledged on Tuesday to bolster defence and security cooperation between the two partners.

The US and India look forward to working together on advanced defence equipment and technology at a level commensurate with that of America’s closest allies and partners, said a joint statement issued after the Modi-Trump Summit at the White House.

“President Trump and Prime Minister Modi pledged to deepen defence and security cooperation, building on the United States’ recognition of India as a major defence partner. Reflecting the partnership, the US has offered for India’s consideration the sale of Sea Guardian Unmanned Aerial Systems, which would enhance India’s capabilities and promote shared security interests,” the statement said. They announced they would build on the implementation of their “White Shipping” data sharing arrangement, which enhances collaboration on the maritime domain awareness.