India eyes nuclear-powered carrier, home-built navy jets in 15-year defence plan
“Bordered by strategic rivals China and Pakistan, both of whom India has clashed with in deadly fights in recent years, New Delhi is increasingly leaning on domestic defence companies to bolster capabilities and cut dependence on foreign suppliers such as Russia, France and the United States.”
“The document outlines the need for at least 10 nuclear propulsion systems to support the carrier and other future warships, underscoring India’s ambition to expand its strategic reach across the Indian Ocean.”
“India hopes to have 62 Rafale jets in service by 2030, including 36 for the air force that started arriving in 2020. Currently, the carriers deploy a fleet of Soviet-origin MiG-29K.”
“India has budgeted spending of about 6.81 trillion rupees ($77 billion) on defence this fiscal year. It is the world’s fourth biggest defence spender after the United States, China and Russia, according to World Bank data.”