India developing N-submarines: Saran

India is developing nuclear submarines, a key official said.

"As far as nuclear submarines are concerned, I think certainly my information is that we are engaged in research and development in that area," former Foreign Secretary and India's nuclear envoy Shyam Saran said.

Saran, who is the Interlocutor with the US administration on the nuclear energy deal, was responding to a specific query from a member of audience at the National Institute of Advanced Studies, where he delivered the second annual Raja Ramanna lecture on Thursday night.

Speaking on "evolution of India's nuclear policies in the context of changing security perceptions", the Special Envoy of Prime Minister—responding to Russian President Vladimir Putin's statement—said Moscow cannot provide nuclear supplies to India unless the guidelines of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) are "adjusted".

Putin said earlier this week that Russia will "directly" help India in construction of atomic energy facilities.

Saran said, "We may enter into agreement for supply of some nuclear power plants but the transfer can take place only once the NSG guidelines have been adjusted".