New Delhi | Dec 4, 2025 | Sky Link Times
The Union government on Thursday strongly refuted media reports claiming that India has signed a new $2 billion deal to lease a nuclear-powered submarine from Russia, calling the information “misleading” and factually incorrect.
In a clarification issued through a fact-check post on X, the Press Information Bureau (PIB) said that no fresh agreement has been signed between India and Russia for leasing any nuclear-powered attack submarine.
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PIB Says Submarine Deal Dates Back to 2019
According to the PIB, the submarine lease being referred to in the report is not a new contract, but part of an agreement that was signed nearly six years ago in 2019. The submarine under that agreement is scheduled for delivery in 2028, the government clarified.
The clarification was issued in response to a report published by Bloomberg, which had claimed that India was preparing to finalise a $2 billion lease for a nuclear-powered attack submarine from Russia.
The Bloomberg story surfaced just hours ahead of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s two-day visit to New Delhi, adding geopolitical significance to the report.
India-Russia Ties Remain Strong: Govt
In a separate official statement, the government reiterated that the India-Russia bilateral relationship has remained strong and stable for 78 years, anchored in a shared commitment to a multipolar world order.
The Centre noted that in recent years, both countries have been working to expand cooperation beyond traditional defence, nuclear, and space sectors.
Over the past two years, bilateral trade has recorded significant growth, and during President Putin’s visit, discussions are expected to take place on:
Increasing Indian exports to Russia
Developing new economic cooperation models
Strengthening inter-regional cooperation, especially with the Russian Far East
Connectivity projects under discussion include:
International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC)
Chennai–Vladivostok Eastern Maritime Corridor
Northern Sea Route
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Defence Remains a Key Pillar of Strategic Partnership
The government underlined that defence cooperation remains one of the most important pillars of the India-Russia strategic partnership.
Over the decades, bilateral military ties have evolved from a simple buyer-seller relationship into a robust framework involving:
Joint research and development
Co-production of advanced defence platforms
Technology transfer
Russia remains a key supplier of defence equipment, engines, spare parts and components to India.
Several major defence platforms are assembled or manufactured in India, including:
T-90 battle tanks
Su-30 MKI fighter jets
Additionally, both countries have been exploring co-development and co-production opportunities, including exports of jointly developed platforms such as the BrahMos missile system.
Why the Clarification Matters
Defence-related reports involving nuclear-powered submarines carry high strategic sensitivity, especially at a time of heightened global tensions. The government’s quick rebuttal highlights the importance of verified information in matters of national security and foreign policy.
By calling the report “misleading,” the Centre has made it clear that no fresh submarine lease has been concluded, and that speculation around a new deal is inaccurate.
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