India and Russia Seal $2 Billion Nuclear Submarine Deal Ahead of Putin’s Visit

New Delhi, December 04, 2025: In a major development underscoring the deep and enduring defense partnership between the two countries, India has finalized a deal with Russia to lease a nuclear-powered attack submarine for approximately $2 billion. The agreement was concluded just ahead of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s scheduled visit to New Delhi, his first trip to India since the conflict in Ukraine began.

The lease agreement is a significant step for the Indian Navy, which seeks to bolster its underwater capabilities amid increasing strategic challenges in the Indian Ocean region.

A Decade-Long Negotiation Concludes

The finalization of this deal comes after nearly a decade of complex, on-and-off negotiations that had reportedly stalled several times, primarily due to disagreements over the price and technical specifications. The recent agreement signals that officials from both sides have successfully ironed out the terms, with Indian delegations visiting Russian shipyards in November to finalize the technical progress.

While official details remain limited, the vessel is widely expected to be a successor to the previous Akula-class submarines India has leased from Russia, which served a critical role in training the Indian Navy’s nuclear submarine crew.

Enhancing India’s Naval Power and Training

The nuclear-powered submarine, which can remain submerged for months and travel faster and quieter than conventional vessels, will be a major asset for India. Key aspects of the lease include:

• Training Focus: The submarine will primarily be used to train Indian sailors and enhance their operational expertise in managing a nuclear-powered boat. This is crucial as India continues to develop its own fleet of indigenous nuclear-powered submarines.
• 10-Year Lease: The vessel is expected to join the Indian Navy’s fleet for a ten-year period, complete with maintenance and logistical support from Russia.
• Delivery Timeline: India is hoping for the submarine’s delivery within the next two years, although the highly complex technical nature of the project means the timeline could be subject to delays.

The Navy Chief, Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi, had recently hinted that the commissioning of the attack submarine was expected “soon,” without providing specifics. This new vessel is expected to be larger than the two nuclear-powered submarines currently operating in the Indian fleet.

Strategic Timing and Global Context

President Putin‘s visit and the deal’s finalization strongly re-affirm the long-standing strategic defense and energy ties between India and Russia. The summit agenda is also expected to cover other critical defense cooperation areas, including the timely delivery of Russian military equipment like the S-400 Triumf air defense missile system.

By moving ahead with this major defense purchase, India continues to assert its policy of “strategic autonomy” or “multi-alignment.” New Delhi maintains close defense and energy ties with Moscow while simultaneously strengthening partnerships with Western nations like the United States and Europe. The deal demonstrates India’s resolve to prioritize its national security and strategic needs, irrespective of pressure from other global powers, particularly in the backdrop of Western sanctions on Russia following the Ukraine conflict.

The successful conclusion of this submarine lease marks a significant win for both New Delhi and Moscow, ensuring that their key defense cooperation remains robust into the next decade.