The US also espoused India’s permanent membership to the UN Security Council
In what is seen as one of the key takeaways of the meeting between Prime Minister Modi and President Trump, US has shown the green signal to sell of predator Guardian drones to India, thus strengthening the defense ties between both nations.
Once inducted, predator Guardian drones can enhance Indian Navy’s intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities.
The joint press statement released after the meeting of two leaders said that both the US and India will work together on advanced defense equipment technology “at a level commensurate with that of the closest allies and partners of the United States.”
It said, “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.”
The leaders of the two democracies also decided to enhance the maritime security cooperation in a mutually beneficial way. The leaders also announced their plan to implement “White Shipping” data sharing arrangement to boost cooperation on maritime domain awareness.
Modi’s support for the United States to join as an Observer in the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium was welcomed by Trump and they also discussed the upcoming Malabar naval exercise. The two leaders agreed upon expanding shared maritime objective and exploring new exercises.
The meeting also affirmed the US support for India’s early entry into the Nuclear Suppliers Group, the Wassenaar Arrangement, and the Australia Group. The US also espoused India’s permanent membership to the UN Security Council.