Biden and Modi Strengthen US-India Defense Ties Amid China Concerns

US President Joe Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed extensive plans to enhance bilateral defense cooperation, including India's procurement of 31 MQ-9B drones from General Atomics. The talks included agreements on defense industrial cooperation, military engagement, and fostering a strong ecosystem for MRO services in India.

US President Joe Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in wide-ranging discussions to bolster US-India defense cooperation. The dialogue included India's purchase of 31 MQ-9B drones from General Atomics, expected to enhance India's surveillance capabilities against China.

The talks, hosted at Biden's Wilmington home, touched on expanding bilateral defense ties, including the joint production of jet engines and munitions. They applauded recent agreements like the Security of Supply Arrangement (SOSA) to streamline defense supplies and services between the nations.

Biden commended India's move to standardize GST in the MRO sector, aiming to build a robust ecosystem for aircraft maintenance. The meeting also highlighted collaborations in advanced fields such as space, cyber security, and defense innovation.

(With inputs from agencies.)