Russia pushes India SSN lease deal

This story from Reuters-India tells us that Russian President Medvedev is talking up the possibility of leasing not only the ill-fated Nerpa but 'several' Project-971 submarines to India, for 10-year leases. Although there isn't any press on India's response to this - the Nerpa deal was on, off, on, etc. after the recent accident - it's got to be tempting, as Galrahn reminded us earlier. It's a way to get into a serious nuclear submarine force for much less money and time than would required to build it domestically; and if they do decide to go the domestic route for attack boats (in addition to the oft-discussed ATV likely-SSBN) the lease deals would provide an excellent means to acquire a trained nuc cadre. It would also allow for quick acquisition of escorts capable of keeping up with the ATV when she goes to sea on deployment.