U.S. Offers India Drones, Jet Engines to Lure It From Russia - WSJ

WASHINGTON—India is expected to purchase state-of-the-art U.S. drones and jointly produce jet-fighter engines in a multibillion-dollar deal designed to wean New Delhi off arms purchases from Russia.

The purchase is expected to be unveiled Thursday in Washington as Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visits the White House on a high-profile visit that includes a formal state dinner. New Delhi had long sought some of the U.S.’s most advanced weaponry and equipment, but Washington was reluctant until now to share such sensitive technology because of India’s past, and continuing, purchases of Russian military gear.

The switch to greater cooperation stems from India’s strategic importance in the U.S. campaign to counter China, as well as American interest in stifling Russian influence in developing nations. India, despite U.S. pressure, has stayed neutral over Moscow’s war in Ukraine and refrained from United Nations votes to condemn Russia’s action and declining to join sanctions.