India has agreed to lease a nuclear submarine from Russia for about $2 billion, finalising a deal that had been under discussion for nearly ten years. The agreement coincides with Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to New Delhi, highlighting the strategic partnership between the two countries.
The leased submarine is expected to arrive within two years. It will be used mainly for training Indian Navy personnel in operating nuclear-powered submarines and cannot be used in combat. The lease will last ten years and includes maintenance and support services, continuing India’s practice of leasing advanced Russian submarines.
The deal gives India immediate access to advanced under-sea capabilities while its own nuclear and missile-capable submarines are still under development. Nuclear submarines have advantages over diesel-powered ones. They can stay submerged longer, are quieter, and can patrol larger areas, strengthening India’s ability to monitor the Indian Ocean and beyond.
This lease was finalised as part of a wider set of agreements during Putin’s state visit, which also covers trade, energy, and defence cooperation. It reflects India’s effort to modernise its navy quickly while maintaining strong defence ties with Russia, even as it strengthens partnerships with other countries globally.
For the Indian Navy, this submarine lease is a fast way to gain experience with nuclear-powered vessels, helping personnel prepare for future indigenous submarines that will carry missiles and advanced weapons systems.
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