Washington: The US has cleared sale of predator Guardian drones to India with the two countries pledging to deepen their defence and security cooperation.
The joint statement issued after talks between US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the two countries look forward to working together on advanced defence equipment and technology “at a level commensurate with that of the closest allies and partners of the United States.”
“Reflecting the partnership, the United States 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,” it said.
The two countries resolved to expand their maritime security cooperation and announced their intention to build on the implementation of their “White Shipping” data sharing arrangement, which enhances collaboration on maritime domain awareness.
Trump welcomed Modi’s strong support for United States to join as an Observer in the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium.
The two leaders noted the importance of the upcoming Malabar naval exercise and expressed their determination to expand their engagements on shared maritime objectives and to explore new exercises.