Russian nuclear submarine joins Indian navy

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Russian nuclear submarine joins Indian navy

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India has formally commissioned a nuclear-powered submarine into its navy.

04 April,2012 08:50 pm

The $1bn (£630m) Russian-built vessel is being leased by the Indian navy for the next 10 years. It was handed over to India in eastern Russia in January.India previously operated a Soviet nuclear submarine until 1991. It now rejoins China, Russia, the US, the UK and France as an operator of nuclear submarines.India is also developing its own nuclear-powered submarine which is expected to be ready by the end of this year.The 8,140-tonne Akula II-class submarine, built by the Russians as the K-152 Nerpa, has been renamed by India as the INS Chakra II.The submarine was formally commissioned into the navy by the countrys Defence Minister, AK Antony, at a ceremony in Vishakhapatnam, on Indias east coast off the Bay of Bengal.