India’s ambitious $6 billion submarine project, intended to bolster its naval capabilities and modernize its defense infrastructure, has been stalled due to disputes between contractors following unsatisfactory sea trials. What was envisioned as a monumental step towards indigenous defense production has turned into a glaring setback for the Narendra Modi government, exposing weaknesses in India’s technological capabilities and casting doubt on its ability to address regional security challenges effectively.
To begin with, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Make in India” initiative has been a cornerstone of his economic and defense policies, aimed at reducing India’s reliance on foreign suppliers. The submarine project was intended to showcase India’s prowess in indigenous defense manufacturing, a field long dominated by countries like the United States, China, and Russia.
However, the delays and technical shortcomings associated with this program highlight persistent gaps in India’s ability to design and produce sophisticated military technology. While the government has touted its partnerships with private contractors and international collaborators, the inability to deliver on such a critical project underscores systemic inefficiencies in India’s defense sector.
More importantly, India’s stalled submarine program has repercussions that extend beyond its borders. In the context of South Asia, where long-standing tensions between India and Pakistan persist, delays in defense modernization projects can have a destabilizing effect. India’s aspiration to maintain dominance in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) is central to its geopolitical strategy, as it seeks to counter China’s Belt and Road Initiative and its expanding influence through the “String of Pearls” strategy, building ports and naval facilities in countries like Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and the Maldives.
Consequently, the failure of India’s submarine project emboldens its rivals, especially Pakistan, which has been upgrading its own naval capabilities with Chinese assistance. Pakistan’s acquisition of advanced submarines and frigates from China gives it an edge, disrupting the balance of power in the region. Furthermore, delays in India’s submarine program signal to regional actors that its naval modernization efforts may be overstated, thereby reducing India’s deterrence capabilities and weakening its position in regional power dynamics.
Equally significant are the economic implications of the delays. The $6 billion project represents a massive investment of public funds, and its failure to deliver on time adds to the financial burden on India’s already overstretched defense budget. With a significant portion of the project’s cost attributed to research, development, and international collaboration, the delays undermine the credibility of India’s defense ecosystem, making it a less attractive partner for future global defense collaborations.
Additionally, such failures highlight the inherent risks of politicizing defense projects. The Modi administration has often used high-profile defense initiatives to bolster its image as a government committed to national security and military modernization. However, these setbacks expose a gap between rhetoric and reality, calling into question the efficacy of its policies.
As a result, India’s inability to deliver on its defense projects also raises concerns about the broader implications for stability in South Asia. The Indian Ocean is one of the most contested maritime zones in the world, with critical sea lanes for global trade passing through it. India has long positioned itself as a net security provider in the region, countering threats from piracy, terrorism, and, increasingly, China’s maritime assertiveness.
With its submarine project in disarray, India risks losing the strategic advantage necessary to safeguard these interests. A weaker Indian Navy creates a vacuum that could be exploited by external powers, leading to increased militarization of the region. The absence of a credible deterrent capability also emboldens non-state actors, who may see opportunities to exploit the instability for their own gain.
Given the seriousness of the situation, the Modi government must address the underlying causes of these delays to salvage its defense modernization agenda. Transparency and accountability are critical, particularly in projects involving significant public funds and strategic importance. An independent review of the submarine project’s failures could help identify key bottlenecks, whether they stem from contractor disputes, technological shortcomings, or bureaucratic inefficiencies.
At the same time, India needs to rethink its approach to indigenous defense production. While the “Make in India” initiative has spurred progress in some areas, its execution remains uneven. Greater collaboration with established defense manufacturers and a focus on skill development within its domestic workforce are essential for bridging the capability gap.
In conclusion, India’s stalled submarine project is more than just a technical failure; it is a stark reminder of the challenges facing its defense sector and the broader implications for regional stability. For a country aspiring to be a global power, such setbacks undermine its credibility and weaken its ability to project strength in a volatile region.
To ensure that this failure does not become emblematic of India’s defense strategy, the Modi government must take decisive steps to address the systemic issues plaguing its defense projects. Anything less risks not only India’s strategic ambitions but also the fragile stability of South Asia.
Sehr Rushmeen, an Islamabad based freelance researcher, did her MPhil from National Defence University (NDU) in Strategic Studies and her BSc from University of London (UOL) in International Relations. Her area of research interest is Strategic Nuclear Studies, Artificial Intelligence in Warfare, Conflict Zone in Middle East, South China Sea and South Asian Politics. Has several publications in renowned regional and international newspapers and magazines.