The Indian government is moving forward with plans to strengthen the underwater combat capabilities of the Indian Navy through the ambitious Project 75 India programme. The Centre is expected to approve the construction of six advanced conventional submarines, a move that is being viewed as a significant boost to India’s maritime defence preparedness.
According to officials familiar with the development, the proposal is currently under review and is expected to receive approval from the Inter Ministerial Group in the coming months. The project forms an important part of India’s long term naval modernisation strategy aimed at improving operational readiness and enhancing indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities.
Project 75 India is designed to equip the Indian Navy with modern submarines featuring advanced stealth technology, improved surveillance systems and enhanced underwater warfare capabilities. Defence experts say these submarines are expected to significantly improve India’s ability to monitor strategic maritime zones and respond to emerging security challenges in the Indian Ocean region.
The planned submarines are expected to include advanced combat systems and modern propulsion technologies that would allow longer underwater endurance and better operational flexibility. The project is also likely to involve technology transfer and collaboration with global defence manufacturers while promoting domestic shipbuilding under the Make in India initiative.
Officials have indicated that negotiations related to the project are progressing and manufacturing activities could begin within a few months after final approval is granted. Defence industry experts believe the programme will generate substantial opportunities for Indian shipyards, engineering firms and defence technology companies.
India has been steadily focusing on strengthening its naval infrastructure amid increasing strategic competition and evolving maritime security concerns in the Indo Pacific region. The expansion and modernisation of submarine capabilities are considered crucial for protecting sea lanes, securing maritime borders and maintaining strategic deterrence.
The Indian Navy currently operates a mix of conventional and nuclear powered submarines. However, experts have repeatedly highlighted the need for additional modern submarines to address operational requirements and replace ageing platforms over the coming years.
Defence analysts believe Project 75 India could play a key role in improving India’s self reliance in defence production. The project is expected to encourage the development of advanced naval engineering expertise and support the growth of the domestic defence manufacturing sector.
The submarine programme is also likely to strengthen India’s position as a major maritime power in the region. Strategic experts say underwater warfare capabilities are becoming increasingly important due to evolving geopolitical challenges and growing naval activity across international waters.
Government officials have emphasised that modernisation of the armed forces remains a priority, with several major procurement and indigenous production projects currently underway across the Army, Navy and Air Force. The submarine project is among the most closely watched defence programmes due to its scale and strategic significance.
As the approval process moves forward, the Indian Navy is expected to continue preparations for integrating the new submarines into its future operational plans. Defence observers believe the project could become one of the most important milestones in India’s naval modernisation efforts in recent years.