The Indian Navy and the country's defence ministry have almost agreed on leasing an Akula class submarine from Russia at US $3.3 billion. A naval delegation led by General (Nuclear Safety) Vice Admiral Soonil V Bhokare recently met with officials from the finance division of the defence ministry and both sides gave a thumbs up to the proposal. The decision will be conveyed to the Russian side soon, according to India Today.
READ MORE: India Sticks to Plan of Leasing Third Russian Nuclear Submarine
"The Indian Navy wants to have the intended submarine by 2023 but the modernisation of the submarine to meet India's needs including that of torpedoes and land-attack missiles will take more time", a person familiar with the development told Sputnik.
As Sputnik reported on 26 November, Indian Navy Chief Admiral Sunil Lanba had discussed with Russian authorities the co-production of a conventional submarine at Indian shipyard and leasing of an Akula class submarine during his four-day visit to Russia.
Earlier this year on 6 July, Sputnik reported that India and Russia had started discussions on the joint construction and development of a nuclear submarine at a very cost effective rate at an Indian shipyard to be named. According to the proposal, the two countries intend to develop a prototype for under $200 million following which the Russian firm will transfer the technical know-how and related documents to the Indian shipyard.
READ MORE: India Not Concerned About China-Pak Submarine Deal
At present, the Indian Navy has a total of 13 conventional submarines plus one domestically-produced Arihant-class nuclear submarine and one Russian Akula-class submarine on lease. The Indian defence ministry believes that more than 24 submarines are needed to counter the growing influence of China in the Indian Ocean Region. In contrast, despite a shorter coast to defend, Pakistan is adding eight Chinese made conventional submarines to its existing fleet of five submarines. China inducted a dozen Russian submarines and hopes to field 78 subs by 2020.
