$3 billion worth hi-tech drones in the pipeline

India will procure 31 MQ-9B Sky Guardian and Sea Guardian drones from the United States at a cost of nearly $3 billion, reports here indicated.

A semiconductor plant in Kolkata is also in the pipeline. The drones would help India heighten the surveillance of the armed forces, especially along the frontiers with China.

Though details were not available, the drone deal was part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's bilateral talks with US President Joe Biden ahead of the Quad summit held at the latter's residence in Wilmington, Delaware, on Saturday.

High-level talks for the drone deal have been on the table for over a year now. In June last year, the Defence Ministry approved the procurement of the MQ-9B Sky Guardian and Sea Guardian armed drones with air-to-surface missiles and laser-guided bombs from the US under a government-to-government framework.

Reports also indicated that apart from purchasing the drones, the Indian Navy is also looking to conclude two other major defence deals this financial year -- 3 more Scorpene submarines and 26 Rafale-M fighter aircraft.