The Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) is on the verge of seeking approval from the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) for the construction of six next-generation diesel-electric submarines under Project 75(I). This significant procurement, estimated at approximately $8 billion (₹66,000 crore), aims to enhance the Indian Navy's underwater warfare capabilities. The submarines, featuring advanced Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) systems for extended submerged operations and stealth, will be built at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) in collaboration with Germany's ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS). The Cost Negotiating Committee (CNC) has successfully concluded its work, paving the way for the Defence Ministry to approach the CCS, with the Indian Navy anticipating a green light within the current fiscal year. The decision to fast-track this project is significantly influenced by Pakistan's ongoing acquisition of eight Yuan-class AIP-equipped diesel attack submarines from China, slated for induction between 2026 and 2028. These new Indian submarines are crucial for countering the evolving naval threat in the Indian Ocean region and addressing the Indian Navy's ageing conventional submarine fleet. While the article's headline refers to 'Project 75,' other credible sources and the article's content clarify this as 'Project 75(I)' or 'Project 75 India,' a distinct follow-on program to the earlier Project 75 which saw the construction of Scorpene-class submarines. The project underscores India's 'Make in India' initiative, with a significant emphasis on indigenous construction and technology transfer, aiming for around 60% indigenisation. The timeline for commissioning all six submarines by the end of this decade, as stated in the article, appears optimistic given the typical complexity and delays in such projects, with other reports suggesting deliveries extending into the early to late 2030s. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's recent visit to India also saw discussions on strengthening defence industry cooperation, providing a significant geopolitical context to this deal.