India Not Concerned About China-Pak Submarine Deal

New Delhi (Sputnik) — Vice Admiral GS Pabby, the Indian Navy's Chief Controller of Warship Production and Acquisition, says, “We are not concerned about such a deal. We are only concerned about our submarine program, which is running behind schedule. As far as China’s decision to sell eight submarines to Pakistan is concerned, the Indian Navy is far ahead of Pakistan and much more capable in terms of strength.”

Last week, China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation confirmed a project to export 8 attack submarines to Pakistan. Many reports state that the size of the deal could be between USD 4 billion and 5 billion. Under the deal, four submarines will be made at Pakistan’s shipyard and the remaining four will be built in China. China will supply four submarines by 2023. Currently, Pakistan operates five French-built Agosta submarines, while arch-rival India has 14 submarines including one Russian-made Akula-class sub and 9 kilo-class submarines.

Pakistan has a total coast line of approximately 685 miles while India has to protect a coast that stretches 4,670 miles.

Meanwhile, India has commissioned the first Indian-produced nuclear submarine, Arihant, to be built in August this year. "There will soon be an opportunity to talk about the Arihant," Pabby said. There is another submarine to be inducted in the Navy very soon. Sea trials of first of the six Scorpene submarines began in May and it's expected to join the Navy at any time this year.