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India and the US are in ongoing negotiations for a $3 billion deal involving the supply of 31 MQ-9B Predator drones to the Indian armed forces. The US Congress is expected to favorably consider the deal, with the Biden administration likely to notify Congress soon. The deal, announced during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Washington in June 2023, is aimed at enhancing India's surveillance capabilities, particularly along the Line of Actual Control with China. The drones can stay airborne for over 35 hours and carry missiles and bombs. The cost is estimated to be around $3 billion.

People familiar with the matter said the Congressional notification process started on Thursday and a letter of approval will be sent to India after around 30 days following the approval to the procurement by the Congress.

India US are continuing to hold negotiations to firm up USD 3 billion deal for supply of 31 MQ-9B Predator long endurance drones

The Agency said it has delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on Thursday.

It is learnt India and the US are examining various aspects of the proposed deal including the price component, but the pace of the negotiations have slowed down after US federal prosecutors alleged an Indian link in a failed plot to kill Sikh separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun.