The Biden administration on Thursday notified the US Congress on its proposed supply of 31 MQ-9B Predator long endurance drones to India, in a significant forward movement to firm up the mega deal that was announced during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Washington in June last year.

The Defence Security Cooperation Agency of the US government delivered the required certification notifying the Congress of this possible sale today, an American readout said.

People familiar with the matter said the Congressional notification process started on Thursday and a letter of approval will be sent to India after around 30 days following the approval to the procurement by the Congress.

“The State Department has made a determination approving a possible foreign military sale to the Government of India of MQ-9B remotely piloted aircraft and related equipment for an estimated cost of $3.99 billion,” the Defence Security Cooperation Agency of the US government said in a note.

“The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today,” it said.

The people cited above said the figure of $3.99 billion was mentioned only to ensure that the cost does not exceed this threshold.

There will be price negotiations after the letter of approval is given to India.

The DSCA said the proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the US by helping to strengthen the US-Indian strategic