Cabinet Committee on Security, headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given the green signal to purchase 24 US manufactured helicopters for Indian navy. The pivotal decision comes days before the scheduled visit of President Donald Trump. India will be purchasing MH-60R Seahawk helicopters at a price of $2.6 billion, a senior government official told the media.
Last year India had approved purchase of choppers manufactured by Lockheed Martin group. Trump administration had given clearance after US rolled out the “Buy American” plan in 2018, relaxing restriction on sales as it was seen bolstering US defence industry and creating jobs.
The deal will be signed during Trump’s visit to India on February 24. The 24 helicopters will be handy for the Indian navy. The multi-role helicopters will be equipped with Hellfire missiles and torpedoes, and are meant to help the Indian Navy track submarines in the Indian Ocean, where China is expanding its presence. India at present is using P8i aircraft for such operations.
