Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to offer India a second Akula-class nuclear-powered attack submarine during his visit in September 2025, as delays continue to plague the delivery of the INS Chakra III, now rescheduled for handover in 2028. The proposed vessel may be based on the unfinished K-519 Iribis hull, requiring substantial refurbishment before deployment. The Akula class, measuring about 110m in length, displaces 7,500t surfaced and over 9,000t submerged, and boasts advanced stealth, speeds up to 30 knots submerged, and a robust armament suite, including eight torpedo tubes for a range of missiles and torpedoes. In contrast, India’s indigenous Arihant-class, also about 110m long but around 6,000t in displacement, serves as a strategic strike platform capable of launching submarine-launched ballistic missiles, powered by an 80MW nuclear reactor. As India continues to emphasize self-reliance under Aatmanirbhar Bharat, the preference for developing homegrown platforms like the Arihant may temper enthusiasm for leasing additional aging Russian submarines, especially amid cost concerns, operational restrictions, and shifting strategic priorities. Recent news affirms no breakthrough in accelerating the Chakra III handover, underscoring the continued impact of the Russia-Ukraine conflict on India’s defense procurement timelines.