The Congress party has demanded transparency in the India-US drone deal and raised concerns about the pricing of the 31 MQ-9B Predator UAV drones. Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera emphasized the importance of national security and expressed doubts regarding the deal. Referring to the Rafale deal, Khera criticized the Modi government for allegedly cooperating national interests and highlighted the ongoing inspection of the Rafale “scam” in France. The Congress party called for complete transparency in the Predator Drone deal and insisted on getting answers to crucial questions to avoid any potential wrongdoing under the current government.
The Congress party has raised concerns and sought clarity on the India-US drone deal, specifically regarding the pricing and attainment process. The Defence Ministry elucidated that the cost and specific terms of purchase for the 31 MQ-9B long endurance drones from the US have not yet been finalized. They stated that they would consider the “best price” offered by the manufacturer to other nations before concluding the procurement.
Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera highlighted the need for answers regarding the USD 3.072 billion deal for the MQ-9B Predator UAV Drones. He questioned why there was no Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting to approve the drone deal, drawing a parallel with the Rafale deal. Khera also questioned why India was paying more for the drones compared to other countries and why the drones lacked AI integration.
Khera further emphasized that the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) could develop similar drones at a significantly lower cost, raising concerns about the higher price being paid. He questioned the urgency of the deal when the Air Force had reservations about the escalating prices, suggesting that negotiations on pricing and technical specifications, including AI integration, should have been conducted before finalizing the agreement.
Khera highlighted the importance of transparency and sought clarification on the drone deal, pointing out that the public deserves answers and that the deal should undergo thorough scrutiny to ensure the best interests of the country are upheld.
Congress general secretary, communications, Jairam Ramesh took to Twitter and alleged, “Yet another questionable defence deal surfaces, undermining our indigenous efforts, with the Prime Minister at the core.”
