Russia to lease n-submarine to India by October

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Moscow, March 16 (IANS/RIA Novosti) Russia will lease K-152 Nerpa, a nuclear-powered submarine, to India by October this year, a Russian naval admiral said Wednesday.

'The submarine is completely ready for transfer. An Indian crew is currently training aboard with Russian instructors,' said the admiral who requested anonymity.

'This should be completed before October. We're running late,' he said.

Twenty sailors were killed after toxic gas leaked on board Nerpa as the submarine was undergoing trials in the Sea of Japan in November 2008. A fire extinguishing system malfunctioned, leading to the discharge.

The $900-million lease contract was drawn up after Moscow and New Delhi struck a deal in January 2004 when New Delhi agreed to fund a part of the submarine's construction.

The Nerpa was originally scheduled to be inducted into the Indian Navy as INS Chakra by mid-2008.

Some media reports earlier said that the K-152 Nerpa attack submarine had already been transferred to India on a 10-year lease.