Announcement Comes On Heels Of Meeting Between Prime Minister Narendra Modi And President Donald Trump

The U.S. State Department has issued a license that will allow for the export of 22 predator Guardian drones to India following the first meeting between President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The Press Trust of India reports that the sale was announced by President Trump on June 26 after the meeting. They are estimated to cost about $2 billion.

The drones were requested by the Indian Navy last year, according to the report. But the Obama administration did not take action on the request. There was reportedly strong opposition from the state department to the sale, saying it could upset Pakistan, which is assisting the U.S. in the war against terror in Afghanistan.

Pakistan is reportedly still lobbying the U.S. against the sale of such aircraft to India, but the White House has overruled those objections, according to the report.

The drones will be built by General Atomics. A delivery date was not reported.

(Image from file)

FMI: www.whitehouse.gov