India to get 'gas leak' Russian nuclear submarine in March 2011

New Delhi, Oct.1 (ANI): Russia will transfer the K-152 Nerpa attack submarine to India on a 10-year lease in March 2011, the Governor of the Far East Khabarovsk region said Friday.

"The boat has been handed over [to the fleet] now. According to the agreement, it will be transferred to India in March of the next year," the Ria Novosti news agency quoted Vyacheslav Shport as telling journalists.

The 900-million dollar lease contract was drawn up after Moscow and New Delhi sealed a deal in January 2004, in which India agreed to fund part of the Nerpa's construction.

The Nerpa was originally scheduled to be introduced into the Indian Navy as INS Chakra by mid-2008.(ANI)