美媒爆：普京即将访印之际，印俄敲定价值20亿美元核动力潜艇租赁协议

Core Viewpoint - India is set to pay approximately $2 billion to Russia for the lease of a nuclear-powered submarine, finalizing negotiations that have lasted nearly a decade, coinciding with President Putin's visit to New Delhi [1][3]. Group 1: Agreement Details - The negotiations for leasing the nuclear submarine had stalled for years due to pricing issues, but an agreement has now been reached [3]. - Indian officials visited a Russian shipyard in November to inspect the submarine, which is expected to be delivered within two years, although delays may occur due to project complexity [3]. - The lease contract includes maintenance terms, and the submarine will not be used in actual combat, primarily serving to assist India in training sailors and improving nuclear submarine operations while building its own fleet [3]. Group 2: Strategic Context - The submarine will be in service with the Indian Navy for ten years, following the return of the last leased nuclear submarine to Russia in 2021 [3]. - Ahead of Putin's visit, the Chief of Naval Staff of India indicated that an attack submarine is set to enter service soon, although specific details were not provided [3]. - Putin's visit marks his first trip to India since the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, aiming to strengthen defense and energy cooperation between the two nations [3].