In 1998, India planned 24 submarines by 2030, currently it has 16 and newest submarines are years away

India’s submarine fleet faces a growing replacement challenge, with 16 conventional diesel-electric boats in service and its target of 24 by 2030 delayed. Project 75I, indigenous Project 76, nuclear-powered attack submarines under Project 77 and a proposed Russian submarine lease are among the measures planned to strengthen undersea capabilities. However, lengthy procurement and construction timelines could prolong the gap as older submarines retire.