India’s long-running plan to buy six advanced submarines under Project 75I has reached its final stage. Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh confirmed on October 1 that the file has been formally sent to the competent authority for a final decision, according to ANI.

The submarines will be built entirely in India by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited, with Germany’s Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems as the technology partner. They will carry air-independent propulsion, which lets conventional submarines stay submerged far longer. Singh also said the government is weighing a proposal for two more Scorpene-class submarines.

Estimates put the programme’s value between Rs 70,000 crore and over Rs 80,000 crore. The Defence Acquisition Council cleared the six-boat programme in 2021 at an estimated Rs 43,000 crore, but costs have climbed since.

Germany has finished its own internal approvals. Ambassador Jasper Wieck said Berlin is ready to sign as soon as India completes its process. The final call rests with the Cabinet Committee on Security.