India Puts an End to Rumors: No Fresh $2 Billion Submarine Deal with Russia

You know how whispers can turn into full-blown stories, especially when it comes to big-ticket defense deals? Well, it seems there’s been quite a bit of chatter recently regarding India and Russia potentially signing a fresh agreement for yet another Akula-class nuclear submarine, a pact reportedly valued at a cool $2 billion. But hold on a minute, because India's government has stepped in to set the record straight, and quite unequivocally at that.

According to Minister of State for Defence, Ajay Bhatt, there’s simply no new deal on the table. He clarified the situation in the Rajya Sabha, India's upper house of Parliament, making it abundantly clear that any talk of a second, additional Akula-class submarine pact is, for now, unfounded. So, if you were expecting a groundbreaking new signing ceremony, it looks like you’ll have to wait.

What remains in play, however, is an Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) that was signed way back in 2019. This particular agreement outlines the lease of one Akula-class nuclear submarine from Russia. It’s a significant deal, no doubt, and it’s meant to cover a ten-year period once the formidable vessel is actually delivered to the Indian Navy. So, while the 2019 deal is certainly a go, any subsequent or new agreements are currently off the radar, at least according to official statements.

It’s easy to get these things mixed up, especially given the history between the two nations regarding these powerful submarines. India has previously leased Akula-class boats, christening them 'Chakra' for its naval service. The first, INS Chakra (K-43), originally known as Nerpa, served the Indian Navy for a decade, from 2012 until its return in 2021. The 2019 agreement, by the way, pertains to the next leased submarine, often referred to as Chakra III, which is still undergoing its refurbishment and conversion process in Russia.

The recent confusion seemed to stem from reports suggesting that another submarine lease was being considered, effectively bringing a third Akula-class boat into India’s fleet at some point in the future, distinct from the 2019 arrangement. This would have meant two Akula-class submarines leased simultaneously after the first one's return. But as Minister Bhatt patiently explained, that’s not the case. The existing IGA is what we're working with, and no new pages have been added to that particular chapter.

This clarification, made in response to a question posed by MP Priyanka Chaturvedi, highlights the importance of accurate information, particularly in sensitive areas like defense procurement. While India continues to bolster its naval capabilities, including a strong push for indigenous nuclear submarine development with its Arihant-class program, it seems for now, its arrangements with Russia for leased Akula-class submarines are sticking to the established script from 2019.