Datanomics: Submarine push highlights India's missed naval deadlines

In the coming days, India is set to advance the naval Project-75I programme, aimed at building six advanced conventional submarines with assistance from Germany. This development highlights India’s long-delayed naval projects and its spending patterns on naval fleets and infrastructure. The share of naval fleet expenditure within the total capital outlay on defence rose from 12 per cent in financial year 2018-19 (FY19) to 18 per cent in FY22, before declining to 11 per cent in FY27 (Budget Estimate, or BE). Meanwhile, the share of naval project expenditure increased from 3 per cent in FY19 to 3.9 per cent in FY20, but has since fluctuated, falling to 2 per cent in FY27 (BE). Since 2017, India has signed multiple naval projects, yet most have missed their original deadlines and required extensions. Currently, 27 naval projects worth a total of ₹15,226 crore are underway, with completion timelines ranging from 123 days to 1,218 days. These include projects such as diving support vessels, additional P-1135.6 follow-on ships, and large survey vessels. India has also faced a widening trade deficit in ships, boats, and floating structures.