Congress demanded that the government be transparent about the proposed MQ-9B Predator armed drone contract with the US, which will cost the nation more than £2.5 billion. They claimed that the agreement lacked transparency and the necessary clearances.
Congress invoked the “Rafale scam” to allege that the drones were being bought at a price higher than what other countries have paid for the same. The party pointed towards a “top influential person in the Indian establishment” who was calling the shots, and has “close links” with the CEO of General Atomics, supplier of Predator drones, and asked the government to clarify the matter.
Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera said during a press conference that there have been queries concerning the drone purchase and that because national security is so important, the government should respond.
Khera wondered “what happened to ‘Make in India’ and “Aatmnirbhar Bharat’ in Defence”. “Why pound 178.6 million were spent for development of TapasBH-201 by DRDO, if there wasn't any intention to manufacture these drones for domestic usage and if India was willing to pay $110 million/drone?”
Khera said the drone deal has come under scrutiny with the settling of the “manufactured glitter” of PM Modi’s recent US visit, “so much so that the defence ministry had to release an official clarification. But the people of India need answers on the £2.52 billion deal for MQ-9B drones manufactured by only one entity - General Atomics,” he said.
Congress estimates that each Predator/Reaper drone will cost roughly £81.2 million and purchasing 31 would need India to pay £2.52 billion, despite the fact that the DRDO can develop the identical drone for only 10–20% of the price.