Indian navy begins review to build nuclear submarine

A high-level review of country's efforts to build an indigenous nuclear submarine and moves to procure two Akula class nuclear submarines from Russia and also attempts to shore up the country's dipping warship strength got underway on Wednesday.
The review is being undertaken at the three-day bi-annual meeting of top naval commander's conference which began in Mumbai, business capital of India, official media reported here quoting defense sources.
At the conclave, being chaired by Naval Chief Admiral Sureesh Mehta, a complete review of the country's maritime strategy is likely to be undertaken.
The exercise, Defense Ministry sources said, is being undertaken in the backdrop of recent spy satellite evidence that China has now in operation five new generation nuclear submarines and the threat they may pose to maritime security in the Indian Ocean and Bay of Bengal regions.
After the top level deliberations, Mehta is expected to brief the Cabinet Committee on Security on the Chinese build-up of its nuclear submarine forces.
India has already given a go ahead for construction of 6 French Scorpene conventional submarines and the Navy is now giving final touches to floating global tenders for opening another line of submarines.
The country's first indigenous nuclear submarine is expected to be ready for sea trials next year and by that time Navy is also expected to receive the first of the two Akula class Russian nuclear submarines on lease.
Naval Commanders would also be focusing on the delay in the induction of the country's second carrier Admiral Groshkov currently being retrofitted in Russia and also likely to finalize the induction of carrier borne Russian Mig-29K fighters