According to recent media reports, India and Russia have reportedly agreed to a lease deal under which the Russian side will provide a nuclear-powered submarine — of SSN (attack submarine) class — to the Indian Navy by as early as 2027–2028
This submarine would become part of India’s underwater fleet, thought to be essential for strengthening its naval capability and balancing regional maritime dynamics.
Why This Deal Matters for India’s Maritime Security
• Faster Boost to Capabilities than Domestic Build
While India is building its own submarines under long-term programs, those take years of development. Leasing a ready nuclear sub from Russia offers a faster path to boosting India’s underwater strike and deterrence capabilities.
• Strategic Advantage in Indian Ocean & Beyond
A nuclear-powered submarine (SSN) can stay submerged for long durations, operate far from home bases, and provide stealth and endurance — all critical for India’s maritime security and strategic reach.
• Counterbalance Amid Regional Naval Expansion
Given growing naval activity in the Indian Ocean — from regional and extra-regional powers — this deal would help India maintain a credible underwater deterrent and enhance its ability to secure sea lanes and respond to threats.
Background: India-Russia Submarine Lease History
India has previously leased nuclear-powered submarines from Russia. For example, an earlier agreement under which a Russian submarine was leased to India was signed in 2019 for delivery by 2025
Those past leases helped India build experience in operating nuclear-powered submarines while it also worked on developing indigenous submarines under domestic submarine-building programs
What’s Still Unclear
- The exact financial terms and value of the lease — widely-circulated figures (e.g. “$2 billion deal”) are not confirmed by official sources.
- The class and technical specifications of the submarine being leased — whether it is an older-generation SSN or upgraded version, what armaments it will carry — remain undisclosed.
- The timeline for delivery and induction — while reports suggest 2027–2028, official confirmation is awaited.
- How this lease will align with India’s ongoing indigenous submarine construction plans under programs like Project 75 (India).
What This Means for India — Strategic Implications
- A leased nuclear submarine could fill capability gaps more quickly than waiting for domestic builds.
- It could enhance India’s deterrence posture and underwater combat readiness, especially given the increasing naval activities in the Indian Ocean region.
- The deal underscores the continuing strategic partnership between India and Russia in defence — even as India expands its domestic defence manufacturing.
- However, balancing leased assets with long-term indigenous submarine construction will remain crucial for sustainable naval strength.
