July 17, 2026
Middle East flights on watch: How avoiding major airspaces in West Asia may impact travellers |

Middle East flights on watch: How avoiding major airspaces in West Asia may impact travellers |

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

India’s aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has issued an advisory directing airlines to avoid nine airspaces in West Asia amid escalating situations, and strengthen contingency planning as part of enhanced safety risk assessments. The advisory, issued on March 19, is in line with the heightened geopolitical instability, involving the United States,…

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A viral video shows a woman cleaning a train window with a tissue and bottle, only to discard them onto the railway tracks. Netizens criticized the act, highlighting the irony of promoting civic sense while demonstrating a lack thereof. The clip has garnered significant attention, underscoring the need for genuine civic responsibility awareness. Screengrab from viral video (Image/X) NEW DELHI: A video that seems to promote civic sense is going viral but for the wrong reason. In the clip, a woman can be seen cleaning a train window using water and a tissue, only to toss the tissue and bottle onto the railway track afterward.The video was shared on X by the handle @socialawarenezz. It was posted with caption: “Cleaned the window for reels and threw away the tissue and bottle on track. Civic sense.”Netizens quickly reacted, pointing out the irony. One user wrote: “Civic sense isn’t about reels or appearances—it’s about actions. Throwing litter on tracks shows a deeper failure in our moral fabric. Time for stricter penalties and awareness campaigns that truly resonate.”Another commented: “Good progress! But she dropped the tissue on the platform. FAIL.”Posted on Thursday, the clip has already garnered over 460K views, drawing attention to the need for real awareness about civic responsibility.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosBattle for Bihar: Raghopur Voters Ask Tough Questions to RJD’s Tejashwi Yadav Ahead of Key ContestFATF Issues Warning to Pakistan on Greylist Exit, Says Islamabad Still Vulnerable To Terror FundingDid US Control Pak’s Nuclear Arsenal? CIA Insider Drops Big Bombshell on Musharraf, India and TerrorBIG UNSC Takedown on Kashmir: India Rebukes Pakistan Over Illegal Occupation and Rights Crackdown‘US Controlled Pak Nuclear Arsenal’: Ex-CIA Agent’s Bombshell, Says ‘Pak Can’t Win Against India’China Building New Air Defence Site Near Pangong Lake, Satellite Images Reveal‘Seeking To Hyphenate Too Many Issues’: Goyal On EU Trade Regulations At Berlin Global DialogueTwin Trouble For Pak! After India, Afghanistan May Restrict River Water Supply To PakistanISIS Group’s Diwali Terror Plot Thwarted: Delhi Police Uncovers BIG Network Across Multiple States‘India Won’t Accept…’: Goyal’s Strong Message Amid Trade Talks With US At Berlin Global Dialogue123 Photostories 5 simple yet effective daily habits to be happy, as per psychologyRegrow hair naturally: The secret ingredient is already in your kitchenTamannaah Bhatia and her journey of grace, glamour and talentVitamin D deficiency: 10 foods to boost your levels (when and how to eat them)7 most common kitchen mistakes that destroy food nutrientsNever Accept These Gifts According To Your Birth DateZodiac signs who love to invest in goldRelive Divya Bharti’s magic through her most memorable filmsWhich is the Best Personality Trait As Per Your Birth DateKaty Perry turns 41, here’s her unforgettable looks ever: A birthday tribute to her iconic styles123Hot PicksDhanteras Gold PriceVande Bharat SleeperBihar Election 2025Gold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays OctoberBank Holidays OctoberTop TrendingAndre AgassiCleveland CavaliersKendrick PerkinsAusar ThompsonBrad MarchandStephen Curry WifeJustin HerbertLeBron JamesAaron GordonEmman Atienza

A viral video shows a woman cleaning a train window with a tissue and bottle, only to discard them onto the railway tracks. Netizens criticized the act, highlighting the irony of promoting civic sense while demonstrating a lack thereof. The clip has garnered significant attention, underscoring the need for genuine civic responsibility awareness. Screengrab from viral video (Image/X) NEW DELHI: A video that seems to promote civic sense is going viral but for the wrong reason. In the clip, a woman can be seen cleaning a train window using water and a tissue, only to toss the tissue and bottle onto the railway track afterward.The video was shared on X by the handle @socialawarenezz. It was posted with caption: “Cleaned the window for reels and threw away the tissue and bottle on track. Civic sense.”Netizens quickly reacted, pointing out the irony. One user wrote: “Civic sense isn’t about reels or appearances—it’s about actions. Throwing litter on tracks shows a deeper failure in our moral fabric. Time for stricter penalties and awareness campaigns that truly resonate.”Another commented: “Good progress! But she dropped the tissue on the platform. FAIL.”Posted on Thursday, the clip has already garnered over 460K views, drawing attention to the need for real awareness about civic responsibility.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosBattle for Bihar: Raghopur Voters Ask Tough Questions to RJD’s Tejashwi Yadav Ahead of Key ContestFATF Issues Warning to Pakistan on Greylist Exit, Says Islamabad Still Vulnerable To Terror FundingDid US Control Pak’s Nuclear Arsenal? CIA Insider Drops Big Bombshell on Musharraf, India and TerrorBIG UNSC Takedown on Kashmir: India Rebukes Pakistan Over Illegal Occupation and Rights Crackdown‘US Controlled Pak Nuclear Arsenal’: Ex-CIA Agent’s Bombshell, Says ‘Pak Can’t Win Against India’China Building New Air Defence Site Near Pangong Lake, Satellite Images Reveal‘Seeking To Hyphenate Too Many Issues’: Goyal On EU Trade Regulations At Berlin Global DialogueTwin Trouble For Pak! After India, Afghanistan May Restrict River Water Supply To PakistanISIS Group’s Diwali Terror Plot Thwarted: Delhi Police Uncovers BIG Network Across Multiple States‘India Won’t Accept…’: Goyal’s Strong Message Amid Trade Talks With US At Berlin Global Dialogue123 Photostories 5 simple yet effective daily habits to be happy, as per psychologyRegrow hair naturally: The secret ingredient is already in your kitchenTamannaah Bhatia and her journey of grace, glamour and talentVitamin D deficiency: 10 foods to boost your levels (when and how to eat them)7 most common kitchen mistakes that destroy food nutrientsNever Accept These Gifts According To Your Birth DateZodiac signs who love to invest in goldRelive Divya Bharti’s magic through her most memorable filmsWhich is the Best Personality Trait As Per Your Birth DateKaty Perry turns 41, here’s her unforgettable looks ever: A birthday tribute to her iconic styles123Hot PicksDhanteras Gold PriceVande Bharat SleeperBihar Election 2025Gold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays OctoberBank Holidays OctoberTop TrendingAndre AgassiCleveland CavaliersKendrick PerkinsAusar ThompsonBrad MarchandStephen Curry WifeJustin HerbertLeBron JamesAaron GordonEmman Atienza

Vamsikrishna01 mins mins

Screengrab from viral video (Image/X) NEW DELHI: A video that seems to promote civic sense is going viral but for the wrong reason. In the clip, a woman can be seen cleaning a train window using water and a tissue, only to toss the tissue and bottle onto the railway track afterward.The video was shared…

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North Korea: US limits intelligence sharing with Korea after remarks on North Korea nuclear site: Report

North Korea: US limits intelligence sharing with Korea after remarks on North Korea nuclear site: Report

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

File photo: South Korean President Lee Jae Myung The United States has partially restricted the sharing of satellite intelligence on North Korea with South Korea following remarks by Seoul’s unification minister about a suspected nuclear facility, according to media reports.Unification minister Chung Dong-young told parliament last month that North Korea was believed to be operating…

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NEW DELHI: More than five decades after Indian naval strikes crippled Karachi during the 1971 war, undersea power is once again at the heart of New Delhi’s strategic thinking. As German Chancellor Friedrich Merz began his visit to India on Monday amid a more volatile regional and global security environment, discussions around Project-75I have acquired fresh urgency.The Indian Navy’s plan to induct six next-generation conventional submarines equipped with air-independent propulsion reflects a convergence of hard lessons from history, renewed friction with Pakistan following recent crises, and China’s expanding undersea presence in the Indian Ocean. Together, these factors are pushing India towards one of its most consequential naval procurement decisions in years, one that blends deterrence, indigenisation and long-term strategic signalling. What is Project-75I and why it mattersProject-75I is the Indian Navy’s flagship programme to build six modern diesel-electric submarines equipped with fuel-cell-based air-independent propulsion, advanced sensors, torpedoes and missile systems. The Ministry of Defence issued the Request for Proposal for the project in July 2021 under the Strategic Partnership Model, describing it as a key pillar of the government’s Make in India push, according to a PIB statement. The project envisages indigenous construction, long-term technology transfer and the creation of a domestic submarine-building ecosystem. The estimated cost was over Rs 40,000 crore at the RFP stage, with current assessments placing the final contract value closer to billion, or about Rs 72,000 crore, based on configuration and lifecycle support.For the Indian Navy, the programme addresses a critical gap. Its conventional submarine fleet is ageing even as undersea activity by China and Pakistan increases in the Indian Ocean and along India’s maritime approaches.Why the German Type-214NG was selectedThe Indian Navy has selected the German Type-214 Next Generation submarine, edging out Spain’s S-80 Plus offered by Navantia, defence sources said. The decision was driven primarily by the maturity of the German fuel-cell-based AIP system, acoustic stealth and lower lifecycle risk. AIP allows submarines to remain submerged for weeks without surfacing or snorkeling, reducing detection risk. In contested waters, endurance and silence are decisive. The Type-214’s AIP technology is widely regarded as operationally proven, while competing systems are still undergoing validation.In undersea warfare, reliability and survivability often outweigh novelty. That calculus appears to have guided the Navy’s choice. Make in India at the coreUnder the proposed framework, all six submarines will be built in India at MDL, with TKMS providing design authority, engineering expertise and technical consultancy. Indigenous content is expected to start at around 45 percent and rise to nearly 60 percent by the final boat, aligning with Atmanirbhar Bharat goals.TKMS and MDL signed a memorandum of understanding in June last year to jointly pursue the project, laying the groundwork for the partnership. MDL’s prior experience building Scorpène-class submarines under the earlier Project-75 strengthened its case as the Indian strategic partner. The ministry of defence has repeatedly stressed that Project-75I is not only about acquiring platforms but about absorbing complex submarine design and construction technologies, as outlined in the 2021 PIB release.Pakistan, Karachi and the logic of sea denialIndia’s emphasis on undersea capability is rooted in history. During the 1971 war, the Indian Navy’s attacks on Karachi port crippled Pakistan’s maritime logistics and fuel supply, accelerating Islamabad’s defeat. That episode stressed how control of the seas can shape outcomes on land.The relevance of that lesson resurfaced during Operation Sindoor in May 2025, when tensions with Pakistan escalated following a major terror provocation. Between May 8 and May 11, India placed its naval forces on heightened readiness, with Karachi again emerging as Pakistan’s most critical vulnerability.Karachi handles the bulk of Pakistan’s maritime trade and energy imports. India’s ability to credibly threaten that hub, even without firing a shot, highlighted the deterrent value of naval and undersea power. New submarines with extended underwater endurance would sharpen that leverage.China’s expanding undersea footprintBeyond Pakistan, China looms large in India’s maritime threat assessment. The People’s Liberation Army Navy operates a rapidly expanding submarine fleet, including nuclear-powered platforms that have increasingly deployed into the Indian Ocean.Chinese submarines have docked at regional ports and conducted patrols close to Indian waters, while Pakistan, with Chinese assistance, is also upgrading its submarine arm. For Indian planners, this twin challenge has made restoring conventional submarine strength an urgent priority. Project-75I is designed to plug that gap by giving India a survivable, persistent undersea capability suited to monitoring choke points, tracking adversary submarines and conducting sea-denial operations.Strategic timing of Merz’s visitChancellor Merz’s visit from January 12–13 comes amid a broader effort by Germany to expand its strategic footprint in the Indo-Pacific. Berlin and New Delhi are also working toward an EU-India free trade agreement, as noted by AFP.For India, the potential submarine deal fits into a wider diversification of defence partnerships beyond legacy suppliers such as Russia. For Germany, it represents an opportunity to anchor a long-term industrial and security relationship with the world’s largest democracy.According to informed defence sources cited by idrw.org, the final contract is not expected to be signed during Merz’s visit but could be concluded within the next three months, with the high-level engagement expected to provide political momentum. French-origin Scorpene follow-on plan put on hold as Project-75I gained priorityIn October 2025, India put on hold plans to build three additional French-origin Scorpene submarines at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited, even as it moved decisively to push ahead with Project-75I, which envisages the construction of six new-generation German-origin diesel-electric submarines at the same shipyard, The Times of India reported.Top government sources told TOI that the proposal for the three additional Scorpenes, estimated to cost around Rs 36,000 crore, “was not being pursued” at the time, although a formal decision to scrap it had not been recorded. While cost negotiations for the Scorpene follow-on order had concluded in the previous fiscal, final clearance from the Prime Minister-led Cabinet Committee on Security remained on hold.Officials told TOI that the German submarines under Project-75I were considered “a generation ahead” in terms of technology and capability. Concerns also existed about MDL’s ability to simultaneously execute two complex submarine construction programmes. The six original Kalvari-class submarines had already been built at MDL under the earlier Project-75 contract signed in October 2005, with the first boat INS Kalvari commissioned in December 2017 and the sixth, INS Vagsheer, inducted in January 2025.All six Kalvari-class submarines were slated to be retrofitted with the DRDO-developed air-independent propulsion system to improve underwater endurance. AIP allows a diesel-electric submarine to remain submerged for nearly two weeks, compared to boats without the system that must surface or snorkel every few days to recharge batteries.In contrast, the submarines planned under Project-75I, to be built in partnership with Germany’s ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems, were designed to incorporate AIP from the outset, along with land-attack cruise missiles and other next-generation technologies, TOI reported.Sources told TOI that the decision to proceed with final techno-commercial negotiations for the six German submarines, with an option for three more at a later stage, followed extensive deliberations involving the defence ministry, the Navy and the National Security Council Secretariat. Formal contract negotiations began in September 2025.“These new-generation boats under P-75I will come with design ToT (transfer of technology) and a greater indigenisation level of around 60%. The project will serve as a bridge to the future P-76, under which conventional submarines will be constructed based on totally indigenous design,” a source told TOI.Despite the pause on the Scorpene extension, officials indicated that France’s broader strategic partnership with India remained strong. Negotiations progressed on additional Rafale fighters for the Indian Air Force’s proposed 114 multi-role fighter aircraft programme, as well as a collaboration to co-develop a powerful jet engine with French major Safran for India’s fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft was nearly finalised.At the time, the Navy’s conventional submarine strength stood at six Scorpenes, six ageing Russian Kilo-class boats and four German HDW submarines, alongside two nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines. China, by comparison, operated more than 50 diesel-electric and around 10 nuclear submarines and was in the process of supplying eight Yuan-class AIP-equipped submarines to Pakistan, a development seen as a major capability boost for Islamabad, TOI reported.Long-term impact on India’s naval postureOnce inducted, the six Type-214NG submarines will significantly enhance the Indian Navy’s capacity for covert surveillance, sea denial and precision strike missions. Their sensors, weapons and endurance will form a key layer of India’s maritime deterrence architecture.Equally important is the industrial legacy. By absorbing advanced submarine technologies, India positions itself for future indigenous designs and follow-on projects. MDL’s role would be strengthened, and a specialised domestic supply chain would be deepened. Project-75I marks one of the most consequential naval procurement decisions India has taken in years. It addresses hard lessons from 1971, recent operational realities with Pakistan, and the growing challenge posed by China’s undersea expansion.As Germany’s chancellor arrives in India, the submarine negotiations underscore how defence industrial cooperation has become central to New Delhi’s foreign policy. From Karachi’s burning docks in 1971 to the silent depths of the Indian Ocean today, India’s maritime strategy is being reshaped through capability, indigenisation and strategic foresight.About the AuthorAyush PandeyAyush Pandey is a journalist at the Times of India. He covers breaking news, political developments, and key legal and policy shifts across India and the world, with a focus on politics, elections, and institutional affairs. He also specialises in analytical explainers and in-depth feature stories that examine the broader implications of political alliances, policy changes, and evolving public sentiment.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosShaksgam Valley Row Deepens As China Rejects India’s Claim And Defends CPEC Infra Project With PakGerman Chancellor Merz Hails India-Germany Ties, Pushes For ‘Economically Meaningful’ India-EU FTA‘This Is Not India’: Protesters Disrupt Sikh Nagar Kirtan Again In New Zealand With Haka DisplayPM Modi, German Chancellor Merz Sign Key Deals As India Germany Push Indo-Pacific StrategyThird Stage Trouble Strikes Again: Inside ISRO’s PSLV-C62 Deviation And What The Failure Means Ahead’Real Friends Can Disagree, But…’: US Envoy Sergio Gor On India-US Ties, Comments On Trade Deal’Organic Shakta Response To Colonial Invasion Of Bharat’: J Sai Deepak On Hindutva At Kolkata Debate’It Reflects Hindu Tattva’: Sudhanshu Trivedi Hits Out Over Mani Shankar Aiyar’s ‘Hindutva’ RemarkPM Modi, German Chancellor Merz Fly Kites, India Signals Cultural Diplomacy And Strategic ConfidenceHinduism vs Hindutva: TMC MP Mahua Moitra’s ‘Love Jihad’ Remark Ignites Fierce Political Debate123PhotostoriesMakar Sankranti 2026: 8 types of popular Khichdi dishes to tryFirst Trial Run of Bengaluru’s Pink Line Metro Hits Tracks: What You Need To KnowFrom dust to destiny: Final rush before Delhi–Dehradun highway opens (In Photos)5 most thrilling wildlife adventures near Delhi for the Republic Day 2026 long weekendFrom Rabbit and Hare to Crocodile and Allegator: How these similar looking animals are intrinsically differentSplitsvilla X6: Confirmed contestants list of the Karan Kundrra- Sunny Leone hosted reality showMakar Sankrantri 2026: 10 traditional dishes enjoyed in Bihar and Uttar PradeshWhat 2026 is trying to teach you based on your birth numberBigg Boss Tamil 9: From Aurora to Divya Ganesh – Meet the top 4 finalists of the showWhat kids learn when parents apologise123Hot PicksISRO PSLV-C62 missionTrump tariffsGold rate todayBengaluru newsCigarette price hikePublic holidays January 2026Bank Holidays JanuaryTop TrendingStephen Curry BrotherLebron JamesMatthew and Brady Tkachuks Combined Net WorthVanessa BryantBengaluru Girl RapeConnor McDavidISRO LaunchGeorge Valera Net WorthNandani SharmaPierce Johnson

NEW DELHI: More than five decades after Indian naval strikes crippled Karachi during the 1971 war, undersea power is once again at the heart of New Delhi’s strategic thinking. As German Chancellor Friedrich Merz began his visit to India on Monday amid a more volatile regional and global security environment, discussions around Project-75I have acquired fresh urgency.The Indian Navy’s plan to induct six next-generation conventional submarines equipped with air-independent propulsion reflects a convergence of hard lessons from history, renewed friction with Pakistan following recent crises, and China’s expanding undersea presence in the Indian Ocean. Together, these factors are pushing India towards one of its most consequential naval procurement decisions in years, one that blends deterrence, indigenisation and long-term strategic signalling. What is Project-75I and why it mattersProject-75I is the Indian Navy’s flagship programme to build six modern diesel-electric submarines equipped with fuel-cell-based air-independent propulsion, advanced sensors, torpedoes and missile systems. The Ministry of Defence issued the Request for Proposal for the project in July 2021 under the Strategic Partnership Model, describing it as a key pillar of the government’s Make in India push, according to a PIB statement. The project envisages indigenous construction, long-term technology transfer and the creation of a domestic submarine-building ecosystem. The estimated cost was over Rs 40,000 crore at the RFP stage, with current assessments placing the final contract value closer to $8 billion, or about Rs 72,000 crore, based on configuration and lifecycle support.For the Indian Navy, the programme addresses a critical gap. Its conventional submarine fleet is ageing even as undersea activity by China and Pakistan increases in the Indian Ocean and along India’s maritime approaches.Why the German Type-214NG was selectedThe Indian Navy has selected the German Type-214 Next Generation submarine, edging out Spain’s S-80 Plus offered by Navantia, defence sources said. The decision was driven primarily by the maturity of the German fuel-cell-based AIP system, acoustic stealth and lower lifecycle risk. AIP allows submarines to remain submerged for weeks without surfacing or snorkeling, reducing detection risk. In contested waters, endurance and silence are decisive. The Type-214’s AIP technology is widely regarded as operationally proven, while competing systems are still undergoing validation.In undersea warfare, reliability and survivability often outweigh novelty. That calculus appears to have guided the Navy’s choice. Make in India at the coreUnder the proposed framework, all six submarines will be built in India at MDL, with TKMS providing design authority, engineering expertise and technical consultancy. Indigenous content is expected to start at around 45 percent and rise to nearly 60 percent by the final boat, aligning with Atmanirbhar Bharat goals.TKMS and MDL signed a memorandum of understanding in June last year to jointly pursue the project, laying the groundwork for the partnership. MDL’s prior experience building Scorpène-class submarines under the earlier Project-75 strengthened its case as the Indian strategic partner. The ministry of defence has repeatedly stressed that Project-75I is not only about acquiring platforms but about absorbing complex submarine design and construction technologies, as outlined in the 2021 PIB release.Pakistan, Karachi and the logic of sea denialIndia’s emphasis on undersea capability is rooted in history. During the 1971 war, the Indian Navy’s attacks on Karachi port crippled Pakistan’s maritime logistics and fuel supply, accelerating Islamabad’s defeat. That episode stressed how control of the seas can shape outcomes on land.The relevance of that lesson resurfaced during Operation Sindoor in May 2025, when tensions with Pakistan escalated following a major terror provocation. Between May 8 and May 11, India placed its naval forces on heightened readiness, with Karachi again emerging as Pakistan’s most critical vulnerability.Karachi handles the bulk of Pakistan’s maritime trade and energy imports. India’s ability to credibly threaten that hub, even without firing a shot, highlighted the deterrent value of naval and undersea power. New submarines with extended underwater endurance would sharpen that leverage.China’s expanding undersea footprintBeyond Pakistan, China looms large in India’s maritime threat assessment. The People’s Liberation Army Navy operates a rapidly expanding submarine fleet, including nuclear-powered platforms that have increasingly deployed into the Indian Ocean.Chinese submarines have docked at regional ports and conducted patrols close to Indian waters, while Pakistan, with Chinese assistance, is also upgrading its submarine arm. For Indian planners, this twin challenge has made restoring conventional submarine strength an urgent priority. Project-75I is designed to plug that gap by giving India a survivable, persistent undersea capability suited to monitoring choke points, tracking adversary submarines and conducting sea-denial operations.Strategic timing of Merz’s visitChancellor Merz’s visit from January 12–13 comes amid a broader effort by Germany to expand its strategic footprint in the Indo-Pacific. Berlin and New Delhi are also working toward an EU-India free trade agreement, as noted by AFP.For India, the potential submarine deal fits into a wider diversification of defence partnerships beyond legacy suppliers such as Russia. For Germany, it represents an opportunity to anchor a long-term industrial and security relationship with the world’s largest democracy.According to informed defence sources cited by idrw.org, the final contract is not expected to be signed during Merz’s visit but could be concluded within the next three months, with the high-level engagement expected to provide political momentum. French-origin Scorpene follow-on plan put on hold as Project-75I gained priorityIn October 2025, India put on hold plans to build three additional French-origin Scorpene submarines at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited, even as it moved decisively to push ahead with Project-75I, which envisages the construction of six new-generation German-origin diesel-electric submarines at the same shipyard, The Times of India reported.Top government sources told TOI that the proposal for the three additional Scorpenes, estimated to cost around Rs 36,000 crore, “was not being pursued” at the time, although a formal decision to scrap it had not been recorded. While cost negotiations for the Scorpene follow-on order had concluded in the previous fiscal, final clearance from the Prime Minister-led Cabinet Committee on Security remained on hold.Officials told TOI that the German submarines under Project-75I were considered “a generation ahead” in terms of technology and capability. Concerns also existed about MDL’s ability to simultaneously execute two complex submarine construction programmes. The six original Kalvari-class submarines had already been built at MDL under the earlier Project-75 contract signed in October 2005, with the first boat INS Kalvari commissioned in December 2017 and the sixth, INS Vagsheer, inducted in January 2025.All six Kalvari-class submarines were slated to be retrofitted with the DRDO-developed air-independent propulsion system to improve underwater endurance. AIP allows a diesel-electric submarine to remain submerged for nearly two weeks, compared to boats without the system that must surface or snorkel every few days to recharge batteries.In contrast, the submarines planned under Project-75I, to be built in partnership with Germany’s ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems, were designed to incorporate AIP from the outset, along with land-attack cruise missiles and other next-generation technologies, TOI reported.Sources told TOI that the decision to proceed with final techno-commercial negotiations for the six German submarines, with an option for three more at a later stage, followed extensive deliberations involving the defence ministry, the Navy and the National Security Council Secretariat. Formal contract negotiations began in September 2025.“These new-generation boats under P-75I will come with design ToT (transfer of technology) and a greater indigenisation level of around 60%. The project will serve as a bridge to the future P-76, under which conventional submarines will be constructed based on totally indigenous design,” a source told TOI.Despite the pause on the Scorpene extension, officials indicated that France’s broader strategic partnership with India remained strong. Negotiations progressed on additional Rafale fighters for the Indian Air Force’s proposed 114 multi-role fighter aircraft programme, as well as a collaboration to co-develop a powerful jet engine with French major Safran for India’s fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft was nearly finalised.At the time, the Navy’s conventional submarine strength stood at six Scorpenes, six ageing Russian Kilo-class boats and four German HDW submarines, alongside two nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines. China, by comparison, operated more than 50 diesel-electric and around 10 nuclear submarines and was in the process of supplying eight Yuan-class AIP-equipped submarines to Pakistan, a development seen as a major capability boost for Islamabad, TOI reported.Long-term impact on India’s naval postureOnce inducted, the six Type-214NG submarines will significantly enhance the Indian Navy’s capacity for covert surveillance, sea denial and precision strike missions. Their sensors, weapons and endurance will form a key layer of India’s maritime deterrence architecture.Equally important is the industrial legacy. By absorbing advanced submarine technologies, India positions itself for future indigenous designs and follow-on projects. MDL’s role would be strengthened, and a specialised domestic supply chain would be deepened. Project-75I marks one of the most consequential naval procurement decisions India has taken in years. It addresses hard lessons from 1971, recent operational realities with Pakistan, and the growing challenge posed by China’s undersea expansion.As Germany’s chancellor arrives in India, the submarine negotiations underscore how defence industrial cooperation has become central to New Delhi’s foreign policy. From Karachi’s burning docks in 1971 to the silent depths of the Indian Ocean today, India’s maritime strategy is being reshaped through capability, indigenisation and strategic foresight.About the AuthorAyush PandeyAyush Pandey is a journalist at the Times of India. He covers breaking news, political developments, and key legal and policy shifts across India and the world, with a focus on politics, elections, and institutional affairs. He also specialises in analytical explainers and in-depth feature stories that examine the broader implications of political alliances, policy changes, and evolving public sentiment.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosShaksgam Valley Row Deepens As China Rejects India’s Claim And Defends CPEC Infra Project With PakGerman Chancellor Merz Hails India-Germany Ties, Pushes For ‘Economically Meaningful’ India-EU FTA‘This Is Not India’: Protesters Disrupt Sikh Nagar Kirtan Again In New Zealand With Haka DisplayPM Modi, German Chancellor Merz Sign Key Deals As India Germany Push Indo-Pacific StrategyThird Stage Trouble Strikes Again: Inside ISRO’s PSLV-C62 Deviation And What The Failure Means Ahead’Real Friends Can Disagree, But…’: US Envoy Sergio Gor On India-US Ties, Comments On Trade Deal’Organic Shakta Response To Colonial Invasion Of Bharat’: J Sai Deepak On Hindutva At Kolkata Debate’It Reflects Hindu Tattva’: Sudhanshu Trivedi Hits Out Over Mani Shankar Aiyar’s ‘Hindutva’ RemarkPM Modi, German Chancellor Merz Fly Kites, India Signals Cultural Diplomacy And Strategic ConfidenceHinduism vs Hindutva: TMC MP Mahua Moitra’s ‘Love Jihad’ Remark Ignites Fierce Political Debate123PhotostoriesMakar Sankranti 2026: 8 types of popular Khichdi dishes to tryFirst Trial Run of Bengaluru’s Pink Line Metro Hits Tracks: What You Need To KnowFrom dust to destiny: Final rush before Delhi–Dehradun highway opens (In Photos)5 most thrilling wildlife adventures near Delhi for the Republic Day 2026 long weekendFrom Rabbit and Hare to Crocodile and Allegator: How these similar looking animals are intrinsically differentSplitsvilla X6: Confirmed contestants list of the Karan Kundrra- Sunny Leone hosted reality showMakar Sankrantri 2026: 10 traditional dishes enjoyed in Bihar and Uttar PradeshWhat 2026 is trying to teach you based on your birth numberBigg Boss Tamil 9: From Aurora to Divya Ganesh – Meet the top 4 finalists of the showWhat kids learn when parents apologise123Hot PicksISRO PSLV-C62 missionTrump tariffsGold rate todayBengaluru newsCigarette price hikePublic holidays January 2026Bank Holidays JanuaryTop TrendingStephen Curry BrotherLebron JamesMatthew and Brady Tkachuks Combined Net WorthVanessa BryantBengaluru Girl RapeConnor McDavidISRO LaunchGeorge Valera Net WorthNandani SharmaPierce Johnson

Vamsikrishna08 mins mins

NEW DELHI: More than five decades after Indian naval strikes crippled Karachi during the 1971 war, undersea power is once again at the heart of New Delhi’s strategic thinking. As German Chancellor Friedrich Merz began his visit to India on Monday amid a more volatile regional and global security environment, discussions around Project-75I have acquired…

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IND vs PAK: Ishan Kishan smashes Yuvraj Singh’s record to rattle Pakistan in Colombo

IND vs PAK: Ishan Kishan smashes Yuvraj Singh’s record to rattle Pakistan in Colombo

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

India lost Abhishek Sharma for his second duck in as many innings at the T20 World Cup, but Ishan Kishan ensured the innings stayed on course with one of the fastest half-centuries in India-Pakistan T20Is.Kishan recorded the third-fastest fifty in India-Pakistan T20 internationals.Fastest 50s in Ind-Pak T20Is (by balls) 23 – Mohd Hafeez, Ahmedabad, 2012…

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California’s tech exodus: Entrepreneur warns of a deeper political crisis as tax losses ‘hit 0 billion’

California’s tech exodus: Entrepreneur warns of a deeper political crisis as tax losses ‘hit $200 billion’

Vamsikrishna04 mins mins

Entrepreneur and investor Chamath Palihapitiya has warned that California is facing a deepening political and fiscal crisis as major founders and companies continue to leave the state. In a widely circulated post, Palihapitiya argued that the departures have already cost California tens of billions of dollars in lost tax revenue, with the total potentially rising…

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‘Avatar Aang: The Last Airbender’ trailer drops online; release date advanced to July 25 – WATCH

‘Avatar Aang: The Last Airbender’ trailer drops online; release date advanced to July 25 – WATCH

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

‘Avatar Aang: The Last Airbender’ release date preponed to July 25 The release date of the animated film ‘Avatar Aang: The Last Airbender’ has been advanced to July. It was slated to premiere in October.Paramount has announced that the film, which continues the story from ‘Avatar: The Last Airbender,’ will debut globally on Paramount+ on…

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‘Didn’t want nuclear dust over LA’: Donald Trump takes credit for India-Pakistan truce again; claims he gave 350% tariff threat

‘Didn’t want nuclear dust over LA’: Donald Trump takes credit for India-Pakistan truce again; claims he gave 350% tariff threat

Vamsikrishna01 mins mins

The US President Donald Trump on Thursday again credited himself for India-Pakistan truce, claiming, this time, that he gave a 350% tariff threat to both the nations. He went on to claim that his efforts averted a nuclear war between the two nations. “India and Pakistan were going to go at it with nuclear weapons….

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How Prabhas helped aspiring athletes chase their dreams; Donated his ‘Baahubali’ training equipment

How Prabhas helped aspiring athletes chase their dreams; Donated his ‘Baahubali’ training equipment

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

Prabhas underwent one of the most impressive physical transformations in Indian cinema for SS Rajamouli’s epics ‘Baahubali: The Beginning’ and ‘Baahubali 2: The Conclusion’. The actor dedicated nearly five years of his life to prepare for the most loved roles of Amarendra and Mahendra Baahubali.This was more than a standard fitness regimen. It was a…

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Quote of the day by Saddam Hussein: ‘A lion doesn’t care if a monkey in a tree is laughing at him’

Quote of the day by Saddam Hussein: ‘A lion doesn’t care if a monkey in a tree is laughing at him’

Vamsikrishna06 mins mins

Born in 1937 in the village of al-Awja near Tikrit, Saddam Hussein rose through the ranks of Iraq’s Ba’ath Party before becoming the country’s president in 1979. (File photo) Even after losing power and facing trial for crimes against humanity, Saddam Hussein remained defiant. Sitting inside a Baghdad courtroom in 2006, the former Iraqi president…

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Sheikh Hasina verdict: Protesters try to destroy Mujibur Rahman’s house; forces use batons, tear gas – video

Sheikh Hasina verdict: Protesters try to destroy Mujibur Rahman’s house; forces use batons, tear gas – video

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Protests erupted in Bangladesh following ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’ death sentence over ‘crimes against humanity’. Demonstrators clashed with security forces while trying to pull down the remaining parts of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s house. The Rapid Action Battalion moved in to block the attempt, using batons, sound grenades and tear gas to drive the…

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Pooja Bhatt admits she shared a ‘spark’ with Aamir Khan during Dil Hai Ke Manta Nahin shoot, but ‘nothing tangible happened’ | Hindi Movie News

Pooja Bhatt admits she shared a ‘spark’ with Aamir Khan during Dil Hai Ke Manta Nahin shoot, but ‘nothing tangible happened’ | Hindi Movie News

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Pooja Bhatt recently revisited her Dil Hai Ke Manta Nahin days with Aamir Khan and admitted that while the two shared a “spark” and undeniable chemistry during the filming of the 1991 romantic drama, it never turned into a real-life relationship.In a conversation with Vickey Lalwani, Pooja candidly spoke about her bond with Aamir, his…

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Saudi Arabia approves 0 billion budget for 2026, focused on vision 2030 goals

Saudi Arabia approves $350 billion budget for 2026, focused on vision 2030 goals

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

Saudi Arabia’s 2026 $350 billion budget emphasizes Vision 2030, giga projects, social programs, and economic growth/Image: SPA Saudi Arabia has approved its 2026 state budget, outlining ambitious spending plans aimed at sustaining economic growth, supporting citizens, and advancing the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 initiatives. The total budget for the coming fiscal year amounts to 1.313 trillion…

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Jul 01, 2026, 11:27 IST

Jul 01, 2026, 11:27 IST

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

France’s Kylian Mbappe celebrates with his coach Didier Deschamps after scoring a goal. (AP Photo) France captain Kylian Mbappé paid an emotional tribute to head coach Didier Deschamps after the veteran manager returned to the touchline following the death of his mother, as Les Bleus defeated Sweden to book their place in the FIFA World…

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