Biden makes crucial move before stepping down, approves defense deal worth $1.17 billion with India

WASHINGTON DC: The United States has given approval to a defense deal worth $1.17 billion with India. The administration of the President announced on Monday that it has approved a deal for India to purchase equipment for the Indian Navy's MH-60R helicopters from the United States.

This new deal will help India detect and destroy submarines, and enhance the capabilities of its naval forces. It's notable that the Joe Biden administration has approved the sale of major defense equipment to India, just a month before he steps down as President. In 2021, India had signed a contract to purchase 24 MH-60R Seahawk helicopters from the United States, worth approximately ₹7625 crore (around $950 million USD).

India is now purchasing sophisticated equipment for these helicopters. According to reports, India has demanded equipment such as 30 Multifunctional Information Distribution System-Joint Tactical Radio Systems (MIDS-JTRS), advanced data transfer systems, external fuel tanks, forward-looking infrared (FLIR) systems and an operator machine interface assistant.