The Indian government has dismissed media reports claiming that New Delhi has finalized a new $2 billion submarine lease agreement with Russia ahead of President Vladimir Putin’s upcoming visit.
The clarification came after the Press Information Bureau (PIB) issued a statement calling the report “misleading.” The government confirmed that no new contract has been signed between India and Russia regarding a submarine lease.
Existing Agreement from 2019
According to PIB, the submarine referenced in the report relates to an existing agreement signed in March 2019, under which India agreed to lease a nuclear-powered attack submarine (SSN) from Russia.
Project delays had previously pushed the delivery timelines, and the government has now confirmed that the revised handover schedule stands at 2028.
What the Original Report Claimed
The earlier news article suggested that:
- A new $2 billion submarine lease deal was nearing finalization
- Delivery could take place within two years
- Negotiations had resumed after pricing disagreements
- The development could coincide with President Putin’s visit
The report cited unnamed officials and implied renewed momentum in Indo-Russian defence cooperation.
Government Rebuttal
The government rebuttal issued through #PIBFactCheck stated:
- No new submarine deal has been concluded
- The submarine mentioned pertains to the 2019 agreement
- The updated delivery timeline is 2028
Officials also advised caution against speculative reporting, noting that defence cooperation discussions are often misinterpreted as finalized agreements.
Summary
- Media claims of a new $2 billion submarine lease between India and Russia are incorrect.
- The submarine in question is linked to an existing 2019 contract.
- Delivery delays have shifted the timeline to 2028.
- The government has urged restraint and accuracy in reporting sensitive defence-related developments.
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