Amid the ongoing stand-off with China along the northern borders, the Indian Navy said that two Predator (MQ-9 Sea Guardian) drones are helping the maritime force enhance its surveillance all across the Indian Ocean region and keep a close watch on the 'vessels of interest' passing from there. The two drones were leased by the Indian Navy from the US during the height of the clash in Ladakh's Galwan Valley to help the forces keep a close eye on the movement of the Chinese warships and other suspicious vessels. During an interview with ANI, Vice Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral G Ashok Kumar said, "The long endurance of the MQ-9 Sea Guardian drones allows us to keep a watch on a large area and has helped us to enhance our maritime domain awareness. This also allows us to keep a close eye on any vessel of interest operating in the region." Asked if the 'vessels of interest' monitored by the predator drones included any Chinese warship or research vessels operating in the area, he said, "The drones are used to keep a watch on the potential adversaries but also the vessels of interest who are not following the rules. This may be from any country China or Japan or any country."