While India has openly denied any interest in a nuclear submarine, talks on leasing the second submarine figured in a meeting on August 27 between National Security Advisor M K Narayanan and senior Russian officials including First Deputy Prime Minister of Sergei Ivanov, and Defence Minister Anatoly Serdyukov.

According to sources, a decision on the second lease may be taken on the sidelines of the India-Russia summit in December this year.

When New Delhi signed the lease contract for the first nuclear submarine from Russia in 2004-2005, it had also initiated negotiations for the second submarine but discussions broke down due to differences over terms and conditions.

But this year, the government is under pressure from the Navy to clinch the deal. Government sources told The Sunday Express that India is worried about a shift in focus of China’s military doctrine from land

to sea. Beijing is already firming up bilateral ties with Pakistan (Gwadar port) and Myanmar to enhance its involvement in the complex energy security scenario that’s currently unfolding in the Indian Ocean.

Besides, given the huge volumes of oil traffic between Persian Gulf and Malacca Straits towards North Asia, the Indian Navy is also interested in having a long-range nuclear platform on the eastern as well as western seaboards. Of course, a nuclear submarine also adds up to a second strike capability.

India’s first submarine on lease from Moscow, being built at Komsomolsk-on-Amur shipyard near Khabarovsk city in far-east Russia, is expected to be ready for sea trials in 2009. Armed with 300 km-range Klub land attack missiles, the Akula class submarine has a double hull that allows it to dive deeper than any modern attack version - it is also one of the quietest in its category. The Indian Navy’s nuclear experience is limited to INS Chakra, a Charlie class nuclear submarine taken on lease from Russia from 1988-91.

Apart from the submarine, Narayanan also discussed with officials the need for Russia to sign the integrity pact to participate in future hardware sales to India. Apparently, Russia is ready to sign the pact, which is aimed at eliminating middle-men in arms deals, as its committed hardware sales to India stand at $14.6 billion.

Meanwhile, Defence Minister A.K. Antony is going to Russia for the Indo-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military Technical Cooperation from October 17-19 with an eye of acquiring 347 T-90 S tanks for the Army — India already has 310 such tanks.