"The navy needs nuclear submarines but it is up to the government to take a decision on the acquisition," Admiral Arun Prakash told reporters after taking office in New Delhi, the Press Trust of India news agency said.

"We have to convince the government; we need to overcome them (shortages)," said Prakash.

"What is more needed is modern submarines sweepers and ultra modern offshore patrol vessels."

India had been negotiating with the French defence group Thales and the state-run Direction des Constructions Navales for six Scorpene submarines, worth about 2.1 billion dollars, but no announcement regarding the award of the contract has been made so far.

Prakash served as lieutenant with the Indian Air Force Fighter Bombing Squadron during the 1971 war with arch-rival Pakistan.

He has commanded the Indian navy's western and eastern fleets -- the two main operational commands of force.

Prakash succeeds Admiral Madhavendra Singh who retired Saturday.

WAR.WIRE