India Commissions Second Nuclear-Capable Submarine, INS Arighaat, as China Tensions Rise
Visakhapatnam, India – In a significant boost to India’s naval and nuclear capabilities, the country has commissioned its second nuclear-capable ballistic missile submarine, INS Arighaat, at a ceremony on August 29 at the Visakhapatnam naval base. The induction of the submarine, known as the “Destroyer of the Enemy” in Sanskrit, strengthens India’s nuclear deterrence, particularly as New Delhi monitors growing military competition with China and Pakistan.
Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh highlighted the importance of INS Arighaat during the commissioning, stating that the submarine will contribute to establishing a strategic balance in the region. However, India’s naval power still lags behind China, which possesses the world’s largest navy by the number of vessels, including six operational Jin-class nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines. These submarines significantly outmatch India’s two nuclear-powered submarines – INS Arighaat and its predecessor, INS Arihant – in both firepower and missile range.
While China’s submarines can launch multiple nuclear warheads with ranges exceeding 8,000 kilometers (4,970 miles), India’s K-15 Sagarika ballistic missiles, equipped on the Arihant-class submarines, have a much shorter range of approximately 750 kilometers (466 miles). This limitation affects India’s ability to target strategic locations within China from safer depths in the Bay of Bengal.
India’s naval program reflects the country’s ambitions to develop a secure second-strike nuclear capability, a critical component in maintaining a credible nuclear deterrent. Matt Korda, associate director for the Nuclear Information Project at the Federation of American Scientists, noted that INS Arighaat is part of India’s efforts to build a sophisticated sea-based nuclear force.
Despite technological advancements, India’s sea-based deterrent is still in its infancy compared to China. However, India has plans for newer and larger submarines with longer-range missiles. These future submarines could potentially target any location within China and are expected to become operational over the next decade.
The commissioning of INS Arighaat has attracted attention in China, where state-run media warned India against using the submarine for military muscle-flexing. China, which has been expanding its naval presence in the Indian Ocean, views India’s nuclear advancements with caution. Additionally, China’s close ties with Pakistan, India’s longtime adversary, further complicate the security landscape in the region.
Naval analysts have pointed out that while India’s second ballistic missile submarine enhances its naval capabilities, it will need a larger fleet to maintain continuous at-sea deterrence. As Tom Shugart, a former US Navy submarine commander, explained, having multiple nuclear-powered submarines ensures that at least one is always deployed, even when others undergo maintenance.
India’s naval buildup is driven not only by competition with China but also by the increasing strength of Pakistan’s navy. Pakistan, supported by Chinese designs, is modernizing its fleet, further narrowing the naval power gap with India. The acquisition of eight new attack submarines by Pakistan underscores the growing competition between the two countries in the Indian Ocean.
India, which has long been at odds with both China and Pakistan over territorial disputes, particularly in Kashmir and along the Line of Actual Control, aims to secure a credible nuclear deterrent. The development of a robust second-strike capability ensures that India can retaliate in the event of a nuclear attack, a key element in maintaining regional stability.
India’s strategic investment in nuclear-powered submarines and long-range missiles highlights its commitment to strengthening its defense capabilities amid rising tensions in Asia. The deployment of INS Arighaat signals India’s determination to project power and maintain parity with its adversaries. However, experts suggest that it could be several years before India fields a fully mature and effective sea-based nuclear deterrent capable of matching the scale of China’s forces.
As India continues to develop its naval capabilities, more advanced submarines equipped with longer-range ballistic missiles are expected to join the fleet. Such developments would place India among the global powers capable of maintaining a credible nuclear deterrent at sea, ensuring its security in a region marked by rivalry and geopolitical tensions.
This news report emphasizes the strategic significance of India’s nuclear submarine program in the context of regional security challenges, especially with China and Pakistan.
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