(Image source from: livemint.com)

The Indian Navy plans in building 24 submarines which includes six nuclear attack submarines in order to strengthen its underwater fleet, as told to a parliamentary panel.

The Navy also told the panel that, as the bank guarantees and the integrity pact were not submitted by the Russian side due to the sanctions the US has imposed, the Medium Refit Life Certification (MRLC) of submarine Sindhuraj has been held up.

The Navy stated in its report that there are 15 conventional submarines and two nuclear submarines currently in its fleet. The report said that eighteen conventional submarines and six SSN for nuclear attack submarines are planned.

The report stated that, due to the delay being caused in the submarine construction projects which includes the Six Project 75 submarines at Mazagaon Docks, Mumbai, it has been approved by the Defence Ministry that Medium Refit cum Life Certification or MRLC of the six older submarines so that there exists no drastic decline in the force levels.

“Contract conclusion for MRLC of second submarine, Sindhuraj, is held up since the Russian side has not been able to submit requisite bank guarantees and identity pact as a result of the sanctions imposed by the US government on them,” the report said.

The Defence Ministry has also been recommended the corporate guarantee of a 100 per cent Russian government-owned firm JSC USC, by the Navy that it could accept and fast-track approval of the competent authority accorded for contract conclusion.

By Shrithika Kushangi