Eye on China & Pakistan, India fast-tracks deal for 31 US ‘hunter-killer’ drones

India accelerated talks to acquire 31 weaponised MQ-9B drones from the US, aiming for a deal by year-end. This move comes amid China and Pakistan enhancing their armed drone capabilities. The drones will support India’s military, with assembly and some components sourced locally. The deal’s cost negotiations are ongoing, with efforts to finalize it soon.