The World : India Leases Nuclear Sub

The Soviet Union handed over a nuclear-powered submarine to India in a lease agreement, making India the second Asian nation after China with nuclear-powered warships. All-India radio said the vessel was turned over to an Indian envoy in Vladivostok and is to sail for India within a few days. The Soviet news agency Tass said the submarine was leased for training purposes and carries no nuclear weapons. India already has 10 diesel-powered submarines, as well as surface warships including two aircraft carriers. Its rival, Pakistan, has 11 conventionally powered submarines and fewer surface warships.