India to lease a nuclear submarine from Russia — Bloomberg
Photo: India will train its sailors on a Russian submarine while it builds its own (Getty Images)
India will lease a nuclear attack submarine from Russia for 10 years. The value of the deal will be $ 2 billion, Bloomberg reports.
Sources told the outlet that discussions over leasing the Russian submarine had been ongoing for several years, but the parties were unable to reach an agreement on the price. The deal has now been finalized, and last month, Indian naval personnel already visited one of Russia's shipyards.
India is expected to receive the submarine within two years, although delivery timelines may shift due to the complexity of the project.
Bloomberg reports that under the terms of the lease, the submarine cannot be used for combat purposes. It may only be used for training.
Sources said India plans to use the submarine to train its sailors while it builds two of its own nuclear submarines.
India has leased a Russian submarine before
India previously leased a submarine from Russia in 2012, when the country’s navy received the nuclear-powered submarine Nerpa.
The submarine was delivered with a delay due to the unauthorized activation of its fire-suppression system in November 2008. As a result, 20 people were killed, and 21 were injured.
The Nerpa was supposed to remain on lease for 10 years, but it was returned to Russia early, in June 2021. This happened after the explosion of a high-pressure air cylinder on board, which damaged the hull, electronic systems, and sonar equipment.
Against the backdrop of the growing economic fallout from Russia's war against Ukraine and delays in signing a major trade deal with the United States, the Indian rupee has fallen to a historic low.
