INDOUS-DRONES 2 LAST

Sources indicate along with the White House, the Pentagon Sources indicate along with the White House, the Pentagonand some influential members of the US are keen to completethe process as soon as possible before Obama leaves hispresidency next January. However, a section within the State Department have to beconvinced that this is in the interest of the US nationalsecurity as well. This maritime capability will be a forcemultiplier for the Indian Navy who has procured other advancetechnologies including Boeing P-8 aircraft. The Guardian, manufactured by General Atomics, hascutting edge technologies that do not do not exist in thecurrent Indian Navy arsenal. Sources also said beyond the symbolism of this new title,this deal, estimated to be worth USD 2 billion, will give meatto the bone to this designation and could be considered as amilestone in India US defense relationship. In addition, itwould create several hundred jobs in the US. However, insiders said that a strong Pakistani lobby isworking overtime putting strong resistance to the Indian questtrying to "confuse" the decision and opinion makers with armeddrones that could be used against it. But those pushing for this major arms sales deal whichwould ultimately go through foreign military sale (FMS) routestress that this is simply unarmed drones to enhance India’smaritime surveillance capabilities in the Indian Ocean. It hasnothing to do with Pakistan. PTI LKJAJR