US President Donald Trump will visit India on February 24-25. The White House gave this information on 10th February. The visit will not only strengthen the US-India strategic partnership but will also enhance India’s defense system by new deals. In addition, reports related to the acquisition of 30 drones from the US-based General Atomics is expected amid trump India’s visit.
President @realDonaldTrump & @FLOTUS will travel to India from February 24-25 to visit Prime Minister @narendramodi!
The trip will further strengthen the U.S.-India strategic partnership & highlight the strong & enduring bonds between the American & Indian people. 🇺🇸 🇮🇳
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) February 10, 2020
The Defense Security and Cooperation Agency reported that the Trump administration had approved the sale of an Integrated Air Defense Weapon System (IADWS) to India for an estimated cost of $ 1.867 billion. According to the US State Department’s Political-Military Affairs Wing, this integrated air defense weapon system consists of 118 Advanced Medium Range Air to Air Missiles and 134 Stinger Missiles. Apart from this, India will receive five sentential radar systems, three Guidance Systems, Electrical-Optical / Infrared Sensor System, Canister Launcher, and High Mobility Launcher.
India to get 24 MH60R Helicopters
The USA has already declared India as a Major Defense Partner (MDP). Indian Navy can also expect 24 Lockheed Martin MH60R anti-submarine warfare helicopters. USA has already approved the sale of $2.6 billion twenty-four MH-60R Seahawk Multi-Mission helicopters. It’s noteworthy that India & the USA are extending two-way trade of military platforms and also building a robust environment for the defense and aerospace sector.
This visit by Trump is quite significant as the USA and India will sign a short-term trade deal. This deal will give American companies greater access to Indian markets. Furthermore, this deal will restore India’s trade benefits that got withdrawn last year. Moreover, a long-term trade agreement that may include a free trade agreement.
