Significance of Submarine Capabilities for India

Source: This post Significance of Submarine Capabilities for India has been created based on the article “Filling the submarine gap”, published in the Business Standard on 3^rd May 2024.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3 – Internal Security of India – Maritimes security

Context: India’s 30-Year Submarine Building Plan is not running as per the expectations.

India’s 30-Year Submarine Building Plan was launched in 1999. It was aimed at creating a fleet of 24 conventionally powered submarines to secure India’s maritime interests. However, there is a delay.

As of now, even the initial phase of this plan, termed Project 75, has not been completed, with subsequent phases also lagging behind schedule.

What is the significance of Submarine Capabilities for India?

1) Maritime Security

To deny hostile submarines freedom in the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, and the northern Indian Ocean.

To protect India’s 5,600 km coastline, 1,800 km of island territories, and 2.37 million sq km exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

The region’s hydrological conditions and the presence of strategic chokepoints like the Straits of Malacca amplify the need for a capable naval force to secure these waters.

2) Economic Importance

Two-thirds of global trade, including oil, gas, and commodities, passes through Indian waters, necessitating submarine capabilities to secure maritime trade routes.

What are the challenges faced in the Submarine acquisition?

To tackle hostile conditions: The shallow waters off the western coast limit operations of larger submarines near critical areas like Karachi. Whereas the eastern seaboard’s steep descent into the Bay of Bengal is more suitable for large nuclear-powered submarines. This uneven terrain necessitates a mixed fleet of conventional and nuclear submarines to address varied operational demands effectively.

Lack of indigenous expertise in submarine design and construction, leading to dependence on foreign partners.

Strategic partners: In 2020, the Strategic Partner (SP) model was introduced under the Defence Acquisition Proposition. Submarine acquisition requires involving Indian firms like Mazagon Dock Limited (MDL) and L&T in collaboration with foreign Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). The model requires indigenous procurement of 45 per cent for the first boat, incrementally stepping up to 60 per cent for the sixth and last. It discourages foreign companies from participating.