GLOBIVOX

Project-75I: How India’s $8 Billion Submarine Upgrade Reshapes the China-Pakistan Equation

India’s ambitious Project-75I marks a decisive push to modernise its underwater warfare capabilities at a time when maritime competition in the Indo-Pacific is intensifying. With an estimated investment of nearly $8 billion, the programme is aimed at acquiring next-generation conventional submarines equipped with advanced stealth, endurance and strike capabilities, significantly strengthening India’s naval deterrence.

Project-75I envisages the construction of six advanced diesel-electric submarines under the Strategic Partnership model, with substantial technology transfer to Indian shipyards. These submarines are expected to feature Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) systems, enabling them to remain submerged for extended periods, a critical advantage in modern naval combat where detection avoidance is paramount.

The timing of the project is strategically significant. China has steadily expanded its naval footprint in the Indian Ocean through frequent submarine deployments, port access agreements, and growing naval cooperation with Pakistan. Meanwhile, Pakistan continues to modernise its submarine fleet, including the induction of Chinese-origin vessels, enhancing its undersea strike potential in the Arabian Sea.

Against this backdrop, Project-75I strengthens India’s ability to monitor, deter and respond to hostile submarine activity across key sea lanes. Advanced sensors, modern combat management systems and the ability to launch long-range torpedoes and cruise missiles will enhance India’s capacity for sea denial and intelligence gathering, reinforcing its position as a dominant regional naval power.

Beyond immediate security concerns, the programme also supports India’s long-term defence manufacturing goals. Indigenous production, technology absorption and the development of a skilled naval industrial ecosystem are expected to reduce dependence on imports while boosting self-reliance in critical defence technologies.

While delays in procurement and technological challenges remain a concern, defence analysts view Project-75I as a crucial investment in safeguarding India’s maritime interests. As power dynamics evolve in the Indian Ocean region, the success of this submarine programme could play a pivotal role in shaping the strategic balance between India, China and Pakistan in the years ahead.

At the core of Project-75I is the plan to induct six next-generation diesel-electric attack submarines with cutting-edge stealth and endurance features. These platforms are expected to be significantly quieter than existing vessels, making detection by adversary forces far more difficult. The inclusion of Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) technology will allow submarines to operate underwater for weeks, enhancing survivability and operational flexibility during extended missions.

The strategic motivation behind the programme is closely linked to China’s growing maritime ambitions. The People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) has increased its presence in the Indian Ocean through submarine patrols, intelligence-gathering missions and access to key ports under the Belt and Road Initiative. Chinese submarines, both nuclear-powered and conventional, have been observed operating near vital sea lanes that are crucial for India’s energy and trade security.

Pakistan’s expanding naval capabilities add another layer of complexity. With assistance from China, Islamabad is upgrading its submarine fleet, improving its ability to threaten India’s western coastline and commercial shipping routes. This growing China-Pakistan naval synergy has raised concerns within India’s security establishment about the need for credible underwater deterrence on both the eastern and western seaboards.

Project-75I seeks to address these challenges by enhancing India’s capacity for sea denial, surveillance and precision strikes. Modern sonar systems, electronic warfare suites and network-centric combat management systems will allow the new submarines to integrate seamlessly with surface ships, maritime patrol aircraft and satellite-based intelligence assets. This integrated approach strengthens India’s ability to track adversary movements and respond swiftly to emerging threats.

The programme also carries significant industrial and economic implications. By mandating domestic construction and technology transfer, Project-75I aligns with India’s broader push for defence indigenisation. Indian shipyards are expected to gain valuable expertise in complex submarine construction, potentially positioning the country as a regional hub for naval manufacturing in the future.

However, the project is not without challenges. Procurement delays, rising costs and the complexity of integrating advanced foreign technologies have already slowed progress. Analysts caution that timely execution will be critical if India is to avoid capability gaps as older submarines approach the end of their operational life.

Despite these hurdles, Project-75I is widely seen as a strategic necessity rather than a discretionary upgrade. As undersea warfare increasingly shapes regional security dynamics, the programme underscores India’s determination to maintain a credible and modern naval force. Its successful implementation could significantly influence the balance of power in the Indian Ocean, reinforcing India’s role as a key maritime security provider while reshaping the strategic calculations of both China and Pakistan.