India's Indo-Pacific ambitions unfazed by AUKUS restrictions on submarine tech; France option open

The recently unveiled AUKUS arrangement, a trilateral security partnership among Australia, the United States, and the United Kingdom, has garnered significant attention for its submarine technology development focus. However, for India, aiming to enhance its naval capabilities, the doors to AUKUS appear to remain closed in terms of submarine technology collaboration. While AUKUS has explicitly ruled out India's participation in this sphere, diplomatic sources suggest the possibility of broader technology cooperation under a different facet of engagement.  

Speaking exclusively with Republic TV, Maj Gen (Retd) Sanjay Soi stated that the nation has been in active pursuit of the latest nuclear submarine technology to bolster its maritime defences and assert a presence in the Indo-Pacific region. According to Maj Gen Soi, the move is of strategic importance amid rising Chinese activities in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). Notably, China’s surveillance vessel ‘Yuan Wang 5’ entered the Indian Ocean between December 15-16. This coincided with a planned Indian long-range missile test in the region. Furthermore, another Chinese vessel ‘Yuan Wang 6’ entered the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) in November 2022, coinciding with another planned Indian missile launch. However, the launch was then deferred.  

India's quest for nuclear submarine technology  

While India had not intended an outright purchase of American nuclear attack submarines, it sought assistance from the United States to advance its own indigenous nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) program. According to Maj Gen Sanjay Soi, the goal is to narrow the technology gap between India's submarine capabilities and those of major global players, such as the United States.  

However, India's efforts to access American submarine technology have encountered roadblocks. Hopes of securing a partial transfer of the advanced technology provided to Australia under the AUKUS framework have been unequivocally dashed. The United States, for various strategic and geopolitical considerations, has opted not to extend such technology sharing to India. Notably, Lisa K Curtis, Director of the Indo-Pacific Security Program at CNAS stated that AUKUS members may change the discourse and share significant technology with New Delhi considering the changing geo-political landscape around the globe. Curtis made the remarks during the first day of the maiden defence and strategy convention called ‘Chanakya Dialogue’ at Manekshaw centre in New Delhi on Friday.  

The critical role of advanced submarine technology  

Access to cutting-edge submarine technology plays a vital role in India's ongoing naval modernisation efforts. It is a cornerstone of India's aspirations to establish itself as a dominant player in the Indo-Pacific region. While the denial of access to American technology presents a setback, it has not deterred India's resolve to advance its submarine capabilities. The pursuit of alternative partnerships, such as the one with France, represents a proactive step toward bridging the technology gap and enhancing India's regional influence.  

India is engaged in discussions with France to assess the feasibility of acquiring next-generation propulsion technology for its nuclear attack submarine program. France stands as a pivotal player in advanced submarine technology, and potential collaboration with France could offer India an avenue to enhance its submarine capabilities. Notably, the evolving scenario reflects India's determination to secure the technology necessary to meet its strategic objectives in the Indo-Pacific, even in the face of challenges posed by AUKUS restrictions.