News Archives - Page 108 of 1972 - Lokmarg

India Will Become Third-Largest Economy During Our Third Term: Modi

By LokMarg 2nd February 2024

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday expressed confidence that the country will emerge as the third-largest economy in the world during the third straight term of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government at the Centre.

The Prime Minister was addressing the Bharat Mobility Global Expo at Bharat Mandapam here in the national capital.

“It is certain that India will become the world’s third-largest economy during our third term. During the past 10 years, around 25 crore people have come out of poverty due to the efforts of the government. Today’s India is moving forward with the goal of making the country ‘developed’ by 2047. The mobility sector will play a huge role in the achievement of this goal,” PM Modi said.

“I have always said that this is the right time. This mantra sits well with the mobility sector. India is on the moon and is moving fast. This is the beginning of the golden era for the mobility sector. Today, the economy of the country is expanding rapidly,” he added.

The Prime Minister further said that the country has seen the emergence of a ‘new middle class’ with its own aspirations and hopes.

“There has emerged a new middle class in the country with its own aspirations and hopes. The income and threshold of the middle class have been expanded. These factors will ensure new heights in the mobility sector. Before 2014, there were 12 crore cars sold in India. Since 2014, there has been a sale of over 21 crore cars,” he said.

“Before 2014, there were 2,000 crore electric cars being sold annually. Now, there are around 12 lakh electric cars being sold on an annual basis. India has witnessed a 60pc rise in the number of passenger car sales. The sale of two-wheelers has also seen a 70pc rise in the number,” added the Prime Minister.

PM Narendra Modi further said, “There has been an unprecedented change in the mobility sector. Today’s India is relying on new policies, keeping in mind the future scenario. This vision is also reflected in the interim budget. However, we will present the full budget after the formation of a new government.”

Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2024 showcases India’s capabilities across the entire mobility and automotive value chains. The Expo will feature exhibitions, conferences, buyer-seller meets, state sessions, a road safety pavilion and also public-centric attractions like go-karting. (ANI)

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One Nation One Election Committee Meets Cii, Ham Political Party Delegation

One Nation One Election Committee Holds Meet With Delegation Of CII, HAM Political Party

By LokMarg 2nd February 2024

The High Level Committee (HLC) on One Nation One Election, chaired by Ram Nath Kovind, former President of India, on Friday, held a consultation round with delegation from Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) comprising Chandrajit Banerjee, Director General, R Dinesh, President, Sanjiv Puri, President Designate, Marut Sen Gupta, Deputy Director General, Amita Sarkar, Deputy Director General, Binoy Job, Executive Director, and G Srivastava, Chief Economic Strategy and Project Coordination.

The delegation made a presentation before the committee in which the views of the industry on ONOE and its impact were highlighted, after which they presented a formal memorandum.

Ram Nath Kovind, Chairman HLC also held an interaction today with Dr. Santosh Kumar Suman, Minister Government of Bihar & National Chairman, Hindustani Awaam Morcha (HAM), who presented the view of his party on holding simultaneous elections.

The fifth meeting of the committee was attended by NK Singh, former Chairman of 15th Finance Commission, Dr Subhash C. Kashyap, former Secretary General, Lok Sabha and Sanjay Kothari, former Chief Vigilance Commissioner.

Ram Nath Kovind on February 1, 2024 also held interactions with Rahul Shewale, MP, leader of Shiv Sena party (Eknath Sambhaji Shinde) Lok Sabha, Rajendra Gavit, MP, Shrirang Barne, MP and Ashish Kulkarni, as part of his consultations with political parties, who gave their considered opinion on the subject.

Kovind also held consultations yesterday, with Justice Prakash Shrivastava, former Chief Justice Calcutta High Court, Justice R D Dhanuka, former Chief Justice Bombay High Court and Justice Ajit Prakash Shah, former Chief Justice Delhi High Court to understand their views on holding simultaneous elections in the country.

Earlier on January 30, former President Kovind met Justice Pradeep Nandrajog, former Chief Justice of Bombay High Court and sought his views on the subject.

On January 27, Ram Nath Kovind, held consultations with Justice U. U. Lalit, former Chief Justice of India and Justice Sanjib Banerjee, former Chief Justice of Madras High Court and Manan Kumar Mishra, Chairman of the Bar Council of India, who gave their considered opinion on the subject.

Recently, the Committee had also met a delegation of Lok Jan Shakti Party, comprising members including Pashupati Kumar Paras, Union Minister for Food Processing Industries, President Rashtriya Lok Janshakti Party (RLJP), Prince Raj (Member of Parliament, Samastipur, Lok Sabha), Sanjay Sarraf, Spokesperson, Rashtriya Lok Janshakti Party (RLJP), and Ramji Singh, General Secretary, Rashtriya Lok Janshakti Party (RLJP).

The committee had also held the consultations with eminent jurists Justice Dilip Bhosale, former Chief Justice of Allahabad High Court, and Justice Rajendra Menon, former Chief Justice of Delhi High Court, who gave their considered opinion on the subject.

Initiating discussions with financial and economic experts, Ram Nath Kovind also held interactions with Ajay Singh, President of ASSOCHAM, and Chairman and Managing Director of Spicejet Airlines, who was also accompanied by the Secretary-General and Assistant Secretary-General of ASSOCHAM. Ajay Singh put forth his views in detail on the economic advantages of holding simultaneous elections for the nation.

The High-Level Committee relating to the holding of simultaneous elections in the country has initiated a consultation process under the chairmanship of Ram Nath Kovind, former President of India.

The High-Level Committee recently also sought public opinion regarding the one nation, one election issue. The public notice issued stated, “Notice for inviting suggestions from members of the general public for making appropriate changes in the existing legal administrative framework to enable simultaneous elections in the country.”

Earlier, the High-Level Committee held its preliminary meeting under the chairmanship of Ram Nath Kovind, Amit Shah, Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation; Arjun Ram Meghwal, Minister of State (Independent Charge) Ministry of Law and Justice; Ghulam Nabi Azad, former Leader of Opposition, Rajya Sabha; N. K. Singh, former Chairman, 15th Finance Commission; Dr. Subhash C. Kashyap, former Secretary General, Lok Sabha; and Sanjay Kothari, former Chief Vigilance Commissioner, attended the meeting. Harish Salve, Senior Advocate, joined the meeting virtually.

One Nation, One Election was constituted through a notification dated September 20, 2023. (ANI)

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BJP Committed Fraud In Chandigarh Mayoral Polls: AAP’s Saurabh

By LokMarg 2nd February 2024

After the alleged detention of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) workers, who were on their way to protest against the disputed Chandigarh mayoral polls, Delhi minister and AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj said the BJP committed ‘fraud’ in the elections.

The AAP erupted in protest after the presiding officer declared the BJP nominee the winner after 8 votes were ruled invalid.

Speaking to ANI on Friday, the AAP leader said, “The nation saw how the BJP committed fraud in the Chandigarh mayoral polls. Arvind Kejriwal and Bhagwant Mann are leading a peaceful protest at the BJP office today. However, ahead of this protest, our MLAs, councillors and party workers were detained at various places across Delhi. Is the BJP so scared of Arvind Kejriwal that they are not even letting this protest take place?”

Also, hitting out at the BJP-led Centre for the alleged detention of an AAP MLA from Gandhinagar, Bharadwaj said, “He is our elected representative from Gandhinagar. Is there an undeclared emergency in the country now? Can’t we even hold a peaceful protest?”

Earlier. fellow party leader and minister Atishi, too, launched a blistering attack on the BJP over the alleged detention of AAP workers ahead of the scheduled protest in the national capital.

“There was brazen fraud in the Chandigarh mayoral elections. Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann are holding a peaceful protest over this issue in Delhi today. However, before the workers could even reach the protest site, police barricades were put up all over the city. Our MLAs were placed under house arrest and party workers were detained. Why is the BJP so scared?” the AAP leader asked.

She claimed that busloads of AAP volunteers were detained outside the party office.

“Heavy barricades all across Delhi, buses full of AAP volunteers being detained, hundreds of paramilitary forces outside the AAP party office–why is the BJP so scared of a protest on the Chandigarh mayor elections?” Atishi posted from her official X handle.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, too, weighed in on the events, claiming that cadre arriving at the protest site were stopped at various places across the national capital.

“All across Delhi, they are detaining elected MLAs, councillors and volunteers who were coming to the party office. What is this going on?” CM Kejriwal posted from his X handle.

“Stolen votes in the first Chandigarh Mayor election. Now the people coming to protest peacefully against this are being stopped at various places across Delhi,” Kejriwal added in his post.

Also wading into the alleged police crackdown on the party supporters and the fresh ED summons to CM Kejriwal in connection with the Delhi liquor policy case, AAP spokesperson Priyanka Kakkar said, “The Constitution gives us the right to protest. Today, our party leaders are being stopped illegally. Where does BJP get the permission for this? The fresh ED summons (to Kejriwal) came at the BJP’s behest. We will decide our course of action once the summons is sent properly.”

The AAP and the Congress, which put up a joint candidate, moved the Supreme Court challenging the outcome of the mayoral polls.

CM Mann, too, called the polls “a murder of democracy.”

Earlier, there was a rift between the protestors and the police at the spot.

Youth Congress workers were heard chanting the slogan ‘Bhrastachar band karo’ (Stop the corruption).

However, the police detained the protestors after a while.

A hearing was also held on January 31 in the Punjab Haryana High Court on a plea claiming foul play during the mayoral elections.

During the hearing in the Punjab and Haryana High Court, Kuldeep Kumar, the mayoral candidate of the AAP and Congress, was represented by the Advocate General of Punjab, Gurminder Gary.

Advocate Anil Mehta represented the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation in the matter.

BJP nominee Manoj Sonkar was declared the Chandigarh Mayor on Tuesday after he won the mayoral polls with 16 votes against the 12 votes bagged by Congress-AAP candidate Kuldeep Tita.

The rendering of 8 votes as invalid led Opposition leaders to allege rigging. (ANI)

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Drone Surveillance Conducted At Gyanvapi Amid ‘Bandh’ Announcement

By LokMarg 2nd February 2024

Drone surveillance was conducted at the Gyanvapi complex amid the ‘bandh’ announced by the Muslim community.

With the Muslim side moving the Allahabad High Court challenging a Varanasi court verdict, allowing Hindu devotees to hold prayers inside the disputed ‘Vyas Ka Tekhana’ area of the Gyanvapi mosque, a heavy security cordon was thrown around the complex on Friday

In a landmark judgement, a Varanasi court on Wednesday allowed Hindus to offer prayers inside the ‘Vyas Ka Tekhana’ area of the Gyanvapi mosque complex.

The court directed the district administration to make the necessary arrangements in the next seven days.

“Today, the basement of Vyas-ji was opened and the crowd of (Hindu) devotees has been swelling ever since. This moment of happiness has arrived after 31 years of waiting. We are all happy. Till now, only the priests of Vishwanath temple could worship (in the disputed area) but now, there’s every possibility that new priests will be appointed,” said Sohan Lal Arya, a petitioner from the Hindu side.

Another petitioner in the Gyanvapi case, Lakshmi Devi, told ANI, “This moment, which arrived after years of wait, has filled all Sanatanis with happiness.”

Also speaking with ANI, advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain, one of the petitioners on the Hindu side, said, “The puja will start within seven days. Everyone is welcome to hold prayers here.”

On Thursday, the barricades of Vyas Ka Tehkhana (basement) of the mosque were removed and daily arti and puja were performed early in the morning.

Jain added that Mangla Arti was performed at 3.30 in the morning and a bhog was offered at noon.

“Timings for Aarti at Vyas cellar. Daily 5 aarti — Mangla- 3:30 am, Bhog- 12 pm, Apranh- 4 pm, Sanykaal- 7 pm, Shayan- 10:30 pm. 2 done so far,” Jain informed through a post on X.

Meanwhile, weighing in on the Varanasi court order, allowing devotees to pray in the disputed basement, Akhlaq Ahmed, a lawyer for the Muslim side, said, “The order overlooked the Advocate Commissioner report of 2022, the ASI report, and the ruling of 1937 which was in our favour. The Hindu side did not provide any evidence to support their claim that prayers were held before 1993. There is no such idol at the site.” (ANI)

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Poonam Pandey Dies Of Cervical Cancer

By LokMarg 2nd February 2024

Actor and model Poonam Pandey passed away on Friday at the age of 32 due to cervical cancer, according to her media manager.

A post on Pandey’s official Instagram account read, “This morning is a tough one for us. Deeply saddened to inform you that we have lost our beloved Poonam to cervical cancer. Every living form that ever came in contact with her was met with pure love and kindness. In this time of grief, we would request for privacy while we remember her fondly for all that we shared.”

Pandey’s mediaa manager Parul Chawla has confirmed the news of the actor’s demise.

The news has sent shockwaves across the industry.

Pandey was known for her bold photos and videos.

She made her acting debut with the film ‘Nasha’ in 2013.

She also appeared in Kangana Ranaut’s reality show ‘Lock Upp’.

More details awaited. (ANI)

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Allahabad HC Declines Stay On Pray In Gyanvapi Mosque

By LokMarg 2nd February 2024

Allahabad High Court on Friday denied the stay on the Varanasi Court order that allowed the Hindu side to offer prayers in the southern cellar of Gyanvapi mosque.

The court granted time until February 6 for the Masjid Intezamia Committee of Gyanvapi mosque to amend its pleadings to include a challenge to a January 17 order consequent to which the January 31 order was passed.

The next hearing will now be held on February 6.

The bench of Justice Rohit Ranjan Aggarwal said that the mosque side should first challenge the order of January 17, 2024. By this order, District Magistrate Varanasi has been appointed as the receiver, and after that, the DM took possession of the Gyanvapi premises on January 23.

After this, the District Court, by an interim order dated January 31, has given permission to Kashi Vishwanath Temple Trust to perform puja in the basement through a priest.

The court had asked the Masjid Intezamia Committee lawyer SFA Naqvi why the basic order of January 17, 2024 was not challenged?

The committee’s lawyer said, “That due to the order of January 31, he had to come immediately. Will also challenge it (the basic order). Because as soon as the order was given, the district magistrate made preparations at night and started the puja within nine hours.”

Vishnu Shankar Jain, the Hindu side lawyer, objected to the maintainability of the appeal. He said that the original order has not been challenged. The subordinate court has not granted relief to the plaintiff. The authority has been given to the temple trust.

The Masjid Intezamia Committee had also gone to the Supreme Court in the early hours of Thursday, but the Supreme Court had suggested going to the High Court.

Meanwhile, on January 31, the Varanasi district court allowed the Hindu side to offer prayers in the southern cellar of Gyanvapi mosque. The court directed the Varanasi district magistrate to make arrangements within seven days for ‘puja’ to be performed by the Hindu side and a pujari (priest) nominated by Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple Trust.

After the order of the court, “puja” and “aarti” were performed in the early hours on Thursday.

The district court has issued the order on the plea of the head priest of Acharya Ved Vyas Peeth temple, Shailendra Kumar Pathak Vyas, seeking worship of Shringar Gauri and other visible, and invisible deities in the cellar of the mosque. Vyas is the scion of the family which was performing “puja” in this cellar till December 1993.’

The plea stated that Vyas’s maternal grandfather, priest Somnath Vyas, used to perform prayers there till 1993 when the cellar was closed by the authorities.

Following the Varanasi court order, Muslim side lawyer Akhlaq Ahmed said, “The order has overlooked the Advocate Commissioner report of 2022, ASI’s report, and the decision of 1937, which was in our favour. The Hindu side has not placed any evidence that prayers were held before 1993. There is no such idol in the place.”

The mosque has four ‘tahkhanas’ (cellars) in the basement, of which one is still in the possession of the Vyas family, who used to live there. Vyas had petitioned that, as a hereditary pujari, he be allowed to enter the tahkhana and resume pooja.

The ASI survey, ordered by the same court, in connection with a related case, suggested that the mosque was constructed during Aurangzeb’s rule over the remains of a Hindu temple. (ANI)

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Rice Traders Must Disclose Stocks Starting Next Friday: Food Secretary

By LokMarg 2nd February 2024

Rice retailers, wholesalers and processors are asked that, beginning next Friday, they disclose their stock holdings, Sanjeev Chopra, Secretary Department of Food and Public, said.

The reporting of stocks is irrespective of the category of rice–basmati or non-basmati, parboiled, or broken.

“To check the prices of rice retailers, wholesalers and processors are advised that the beginning next Friday, they should be disclosing their stock on our portal in various categories of the stocks that they’re holding, whether it’s basmati or non basmati or parboiled, are broken. If required govt will consider to fix stock stock limit for rice,” Sanjeev Chopra told reporters.

Rice prices on average rose 14.5 percent year-on-year, and there were apprehensions that traders must be hoarding the commodity.

“So hopefully that will send a signal to these unscrupulous elements who are holding stocks for no reason to release the stocks into the market,” the secretary said.

Among other interventions to cool food grain prices, the secretary said subsidised Bharat Rice has been supplied by Food Corporation of India to the three entities — NAFED, NCCF and Kendriya Bhandar.

“They have been advised to have the maximum retail price at 29 rupees per kg. We are further targeting the areas in the country where the prices are higher than the national average to ensure that the targeted intervention is made in these areas to bring down the price of rice,” he added.

Notably, the export of non-Basmati white rice was prohibited on July 20 to check domestic prices and ensure domestic food security.

The exports to these countries are, however, permitted through National Cooperative Exports Limited.

While initially amending the rice export policy, DGFT maintained that the export will be allowed based on permission granted by the government to other countries to meet their food security needs and based on the request of their government. So far, India has allowed exports, though with varying quantities, to over a dozen countries.

West African country Benin is one of the major importers of non-basmati rice from India. Other destination countries are UAE, Nepal, Bangladesh, China, Cote D’ Ivoire, Togo, Senegal, Guinea, Vietnam, Djibouti, Madagascar, Cameroon Somalia, Malaysia, and Liberia.

In late August, India also introduced additional safeguards by way of imposing a minimum floor price on exports of basmati rice to prevent exports of non-basmati white rice, which was already under the prohibited category since July.

The central government extended the 20 per cent export duty on parboiled rice until March 31, 2024. Rice that is partially boiled with husks is called parboiled rice.

Initially, the duty was introduced on August 25, 2023, and was due to remain effective till October 16, 2023, aimed at maintaining adequate domestic availability and checking its price.

India in September 2022 banned the exports of broken rice and imposed a 20 per cent duty on exports of non-Basmati rice, except for parboiled rice amid concerns about low production due to a fall in area under the paddy crop. It later lifted the ban in November. (ANI)

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Champai Soren Takes Oath As CM Of Jharkhand

By LokMarg 2nd February 2024

Amidst the political unrest in Jharkhand, Champai Soren, a leader of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha party, took oath as the Chief Minister of Jharkhand on Friday at the Raj Bhavan in Ranchi.

Alongside Soren, Congress’ Alamgir Alam and RJD’s Satyanand Bhokta also took the oath as a ministers in the Jharkhand cabinet.

After the swearing in, several legislators are leaving for Hyderabad ahead of the floor test in the assembly. This is an effort by the alliance to protect its flock.

In the 81 member Jharkhand assembly Jharkhand Mukti Morcha has 29, its ally the Congress has 17 seats while the RJD and the CPI (ML) have 1 seat each. With the support of 43 MLAs the INDIA bloc has the numbers to sail through a floor test.

On the opposition bench the Bharatiya Janata Party has 26 seats, AJSU 3 while Independents and others have 3 MLAs. 1 seat in the assembly is vacant.

On Thursday, Jharkhand Governor CP Radhakrishnan invited Champai Soren to Raj Bhavan to form the government in the state. Champai Soren, a loyalist of JMM leader Hemant Soren, has been mandated to demonstrate his majority in a floor test, which will be held within the next 10 days.

Champai Soren, along with 43 legislators had met Jharkhand Governor CP Radhakrishnan at Raj Bhavan, staking a claim to form the government in the state.

Champai Soren, the state transport minister, is a seven-time MLA, and he represents the Seraikella constituency in Jharkhand. Before joining the JMM, he was an independent MLA.

Earlier on Wednesday evening, JMM Chief Soren met Governor Radhakrishnan at Raj Bhawan and handed over his resignation after over six hours of questioning by the ED in connection with a money laundering probe linked to the alleged land scam case.

Meanwhile, Soren was arrested on Wednesday night by the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) after six hours of questioning in the money laundering case linked to the alleged land scam.

The probe pertains to huge amounts of proceeds of crime generated by forging official records by showing ‘fake sellers’ and purchasers in the guise of forged or bogus documents to acquire huge parcels of land having value in crores. (ANI)

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Thalapathy Vijay Forays Into Politics, Announces Party Name

By LokMarg 2nd February 2024

South superstar Thalapathy Vijay on Friday officially announced the name of his political party as ‘Tamilaga Vetri Kazham’ (TVK).

Vijay, in a statement said, “We are not going to contest 2024 elections and we are not going to any party. We have made this decision on General and Executive Council Meeting.”

Taking to X, Vijay shared a statement and wrote #TVKVijay.”

The statement reads, “To my best, the Vijay Makkal Iyakkam has been doing a lot of public welfare activities for the past many years. But a lot of political changes cannot be made only through a non-profit organisation, a political power is needed. You all know the current political scenario. Wrongful administration and corrupt politics is on one hand, on the other hand is discriminative politics to divide our people. On two sides obstacles have been placed for our development and unity.”

“All are carving for good politics especially Tamil Nadu each people are carving for Selfless, truthful Politics with foresight and non corrupt government without caste – religion differences and with good administration. Very importantly, that Politics would be based on our Indian Constitution to apt with Tamil Nadu State rights and will be based on this soil ‘By Birth all are same’ ideology,” the statement added.

Vijay stated further that Tamil people are the ones who gave him everything and he wanted to give it back to them.

“After my father and mother, the Tamil people are the ones who have given me everything including my name, fame and money. And I have been waiting to give it back to them for a long time Tamizhaga Vetri Kazhagam will be the party led by me. Our party leaders have gone to Delhi to register the party in the ECI We have already written and submitted the bylaws and the structure of the party,” the statement read further.

Further, according to the statement, the party will not be contesting the 2024 Lok Sabha elections and the unveiling of the symbol, flag, the articulation of ideologies that the fledgeling outfit will seek to put forward, policies, and meet-and-greet with people will be taken care of after the general elections.

“2026 is our goal. After getting altricial from ECI and after 2024 Lok Sabha elections we will be deciding upon the symbol, flag, ideologies, policies, meet and greet with people and the proper beginning of our political jour way will begin. We are not contesting in the 2024 elections and we will not be supporting any of the party that is contesting,” the statement added.

Vijay is known for his eye-catching performances in films such as ‘Theri’, ‘Master’, ‘Bigil’, ‘Beast’ ‘Puli’, ‘Thuppakki’, ‘Mersal’, and ‘Kaththi’, among others.

He was last seen in the action film ‘Leo’ which also starred Sanjay Dutt in the lead role.

Helmed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, the film received positive responses from the audience.

The superstar, in his statement, added that there’s one more film that he has signed, and after completing the project, he will shift his focus to politics.

“I have one more film that I have signed. I will finish it and completely indulge myself into politics. I have been preparing myself for my political journey for a long time. I will devote myself for the people of Tamil Nadu. This is the only way I can give back to my people,” the statement quoted Vijay as saying.

Vijay will be next seen in the film ‘The Greatest of All Time’. (ANI)

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Biden Approves 4 BN$ Arms Package Sale To India

By LokMarg 1st February 2024

The Biden Administration has today notified the US Congress of its intent to sell nearly 4 billion dollars worth of arms comprising mainly of the MQ 9 B Drones armed with hellfire missiles.

The Defence Security Cooperation Agency, which is an agency within the US Department of Defence, said in a press release on Thursday that the sale helps in strengthening the US-Indian strategic relationship.

It added that New Delhi continues to be an “important force for political stability, peace, and economic progress in the Indo-Pacific and South Asia region.”

“The US State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of India of MQ-9B Remotely Piloted Aircraft and related equipment for an estimated cost of $3.99 billion. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today,” the Defence Security Cooperation Agency said in a statement.

According to the statement, the Indian government has requested to buy 31 MQ-9B Sky Guardian aircraft; 161 Embedded Global Positioning and Inertial Navigation Systems (EGIs); 35 L3 Rio Grande Communications Intelligence Sensor Suites; 170 AGM-114R Hellfire missiles; 16 M36E9 Hellfire Captive Air Training Missiles (CATM); 310 GBU-39B/B Laser Small Diameter Bombs (LSDB); and eight GBU-39B/B LSDB Guided Test Vehicles (GTVs) with live fuzes.

The proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by helping to strengthen the US-Indian strategic relationship and to improve the security of a ‘major defense partner’ which continues to be an “important force for political stability, peace, and economic progress in the Indo-Pacific and South Asia region,” the release stated.

It further added that the proposed sale will improve India’s capability to meet “current and future threats” by enabling unmanned surveillance and reconnaissance patrols in sea lanes of operation while adding that India has demonstrated a commitment to modernizing its military and will have no difficulty absorbing these articles and services into its armed forces.

“The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region,” it added.

As per the release, the principal contractor will be General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Poway, CA. and any offset agreement will be defined in negotiations between the purchaser and the contractor.

Implementation of this proposed sale will not require the assignment of any additional U.S. Government or contractor representatives to India.

“There will be no adverse impact on US defence readiness as a result of this proposed sale,” the release said. (ANI)

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