The Indian Navy is expected to soon receive the nuclear-powered Akula-II class Russian submarine K-152 Nerpa on a 10-year lease, possibly by the end of December or early January. The Nerpa could be named INS Chakra, after
another nuclear-powered submarine India had taken on lease from Russia from 1988 to 1991. This acquisition of a nuclear-powered submarine on lease is seen as bringing immense strategic benefits to India. Nuclear-powered submarines can stay underwater for considerable lengths of time in contrast to diesel-electric submarines.
India is reportedly paying hundreds of crores: some place the amount between $650 million to $900 million.