It is a diesel-electric attack submarine based on the Scorpène class, designed by French naval defence and energy group DCNS and manufactured by Mazagon Dock Limited, an Indian shipyard in Mumbai.

The submarine was launched on 31 January 2018,[15][1] delivered to Indian Navy on 15 February 2021,[2][16][17] commissioned on 10 March 2021 in Mumbai in presence of Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Karambir Singh and Admiral VS Shekhawat (retd.).

Following the completion of the official engagement, the submarine is scheduled to depart from the island on 5 February 2024.

[23][24] On 21 November 2024, INS Karanj collided with a fishing boat FV Marthoma around 70 NM (130 km) off the coast of Goa.

The accident resulted in the death of 2 crew of the fishing boat and a damage worth ₹10 crore (US$1.2 million) for the submarine.