India and Russia close on $2 BN submarine deal even before President Putin's visit

India and Russia have advanced discussions on leasing an Akula-class nuclear-powered attack submarine (INS Chakra III) ahead of President Vladimir Putin’s visit starting December 4, 2025, but no $2 billion signing has occurred yet. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met Russian counterpart Andrey Belousov on December 3 to accelerate the deal, originally inked in 2019 for $3 billion and delayed from 2025 to 2027-2028 due to the Russia-Ukraine war and sanctions. This “stop-gap” measure addresses India’s submarine shortfall after INS Chakra decommissioned in 2022, equipping the vessel with Indian sensors and Kalibr missiles for Indo-Pacific deterrence. Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh Tripathi confirmed pushing for 2027 delivery during his December 2 press conference, amid broader talks on S-400 deliveries and Su-57 jets. No confirmed pre-visit signing exists; progress focuses on timelines and contracts during Putin-Modi summit. The lease bolsters India’s nuclear triad as indigenous SSBN Aridhaman nears commissioning.