US clears multi-billion-dollar drone deal for India ; Modi-Trump ask Pakistan not to lend soil for terrorist activities
According to a White House statement, Modi and Trump called on Pakistan to ensure that its territory is not used to launch terrorist attacks on other countries and requested Islamabad “expeditiously bring to justice the perpetrators of the 26/11 Mumbai, Pathankot and other cross-border terrorist attacks perpetrated by Pakistan-based groups.”
The multi-billion-dollar drone deal was cleared in favour of India for its Navy.
"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 India US 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 joint statement said.
The U.S. president said New Delhi and Washington can set an example for many other nations and make great strides in defeating common threats.
“We will destroy radical Islamic terrorism,” he said.
Voice of America quoted the manufacturer of the drones, General Atomics, as saying that it received clearance to sell the unmanned aerial vehicles to the Indian military – a deal estimated to be worth between $2 billion and $3 billion.
The White House Monday evening said the drones had been offered for consideration of sale to enhance “India’s capabilities and promote shared security interests," VOA reported.
The president on Monday did not specifically mention the drones or the cargo planes, but in a delegation meeting in the White House Cabinet Room Trump expressed appreciation for India ordering American defense equipment, the report said.
“There’s nobody makes military equipment like we make military equipment. Nobody even close. So, we want to thank you very much,” Trump said sitting across a conference table from Modi.
Trump welcomed Modi's strong support for the US to join as an Observer in the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium.
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