India is acquiring German-designed Type 214 submarines in an $8 billion (€6.89 billion) deal, aiming to boost naval power and domestic defense production. Built in India with transferred technology, these quieter, air‑independent propulsion subs can stay submerged for weeks. The move reflects India’s push for self‑reliance amid rising maritime rivalry with China and Pakistan, while also signaling a diversification away from Russian arms toward closer strategic ties with Germany.