The Indian Navy is entering its best time ever with big dollar being pumped into it

Now, besides Russia, India has options to build a military nuclear asset. Countries like France and the US have shown interest and are in talks with India defence ministry regarding the same.

So far, Russia has been India’s ally in technology and strategic systems and this is the first time that India has got options.

Indian Navy got Cabinet Committee’s nod to discuss the plan for constructing six new nuclear-powered attack submarines (SSNs) to patrol the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) with the two western nations.

The Indian SSN project is expected to cost over Rs 1 lakh crore that includes plan to design and produce a nuclear attack boat with the help of the private sector.

If everything goes as per planned, India will enter the league of the five nuclear powers that have such a capability.

A leading US conglomerate has met key Indian defence ministry officials regarding the project. Likewise, French representatives have also approached the Indian side for exploring avenues for cooperation on the project in the past few months.

India is also in talks with Russia to lease a nuclear attack submarine.

SSNs are considered less sensitive, with their primary role being hunting vital enemy naval ships and submarines, whereas a Nuclear Missile Armed Submarines (SSBN) is designed to carry out a nuclear strike.

India's first SSBN, the INS Arihant, is currently undergoing sea trials in Vizag.

(Image: Indiatimes)