India Commissions INS Arighaat Joins Indian Navy, Nuclear Deterrence
India strengthens naval power with INS Arighat
VISAKHAPATNAM, India – Taking a significant step towards strengthening its navy and nuclear deterrence capabilities, India has commissioned its second nuclear-capable ballistic missile submarine, INS Arighat.
The commissioning ceremony took place on August 29 at the Visakhapatnam naval base, marking a milestone in India’s strategic defence posture.
INS Arighat, which means “destroyer of the enemy” in Sanskrit, strengthens India’s nuclear triad and enhances its second-strike capability. As India grapples with rising regional tensions, particularly with China and Pakistan, the induction of this submarine provides a strategic advantage in deterring potential adversaries.
Responding to growing security concerns
Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh underscored the importance of INS Arighat in maintaining regional stability. He said the submarine contributes significantly to India’s naval power and is a vital component of its nuclear deterrence strategy.
However, despite these advancements, India’s naval strength remains limited compared to China, which has the world’s largest navy in terms of number of ships.
China operates at least six Jin-class nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines, each capable of carrying long-range nuclear missiles. In contrast, India’s nuclear submarine fleet consists of only two ships – INS Arighat and its predecessor, INS Arihant.
While China submarines can launch missiles with a range of over 8,000 kilometres (4,970 mi), India’s K-15 Sagarika ballistic missiles deployed on Arihant-class submarines have a much shorter range of about 750 kilometres (466 mi). This range limits India’s ability to target deep within China from a safe distance in the Bay of Bengal.
India Nuclear Deterrence Strategy
India’s naval expansion is in line with its ambition to establish a credible second-strike capability. A strong nuclear deterrent ensures that India can respond effectively in the event of a nuclear attack.
Matt Korda, associate director of the Nuclear Information Project at the Federation of American Scientists, emphasized that INS Arighat is part of India’s broader plan to develop an advanced sea-based nuclear force.
However, he said India’s nuclear-powered submarine program is still in its early stages compared to China’s well-established fleet.
Despite these challenges, India is committed to building larger and more advanced nuclear submarines with extended missile range capabilities. Future projects aim to deploy submarines capable of launching missiles with a range of over 3,500 kilometers (2,175 miles), allowing India to target key locations within China from safe depths.
China’s response and regional implications
The commissioning of INS Arighat has drawn the attention of China, where state media has warned India against using submarines for military posture. China, which is expanding its naval presence in the Indian Ocean, views India’s growing nuclear capabilities with suspicion.
Additionally, China’s close strategic ties with Pakistan further complicate regional security dynamics. Pakistan, which has a long-standing dispute with India, is actively modernizing its naval forces with Chinese assistance. Pakistan’s acquisition of eight advanced attack submarines underscores the growing naval competition in South Asia.
India’s Evolving Naval Strategy
Naval analysts suggest that INS Arighat enhances India’s capabilities, but a larger fleet of nuclear-powered submarines is necessary for sustained deterrence at sea.
Former US Navy submarine commander Tom Shugart explained that maintaining multiple operational submarines ensures that at least one remains on patrol while others are undergoing maintenance.
India’s ongoing naval expansion is not only focused on countering China but also addresses concerns over Pakistan’s growing maritime power. With the addition of Chinese-designed attack submarines to Pakistan’s fleet, India is facing a two-front maritime challenge.
Strategic Importance of Nuclear-Powered Submarines
India’s nuclear-powered submarines play a key role in its defense strategy. Unlike conventional submarines, which need to surface frequently, nuclear-powered ships can stay underwater for long periods of time. This allows them to operate stealthily, reducing the risk of being detected by enemies.
By enhancing its second-strike capability, India ensures its ability to respond decisively to any nuclear attack. This strategic deterrence is vital to maintaining stability in an increasingly volatile region.
Future Developments in India Naval Program
As India continues to advance its naval capabilities, the country is investing in the development of next-generation nuclear submarines. These ships will have advanced stealth technology, greater endurance, and extended missile range capabilities.
Defense analysts anticipate that India’s future submarine fleet will include large vessels armed with long-range ballistic missiles capable of reaching deep into China.
This expansion is in line with India’s long-term defense strategy of maintaining strategic parity with regional powers.
A New Era for India’s Maritime Defense
The commissioning of INS Arighat is an important milestone in India’s defense modernization efforts. While challenges remain, India’s investment in nuclear-powered submarines reflects its commitment to strengthening national security and regional stability.
As geopolitical tensions continue, India’s ability to maintain a credible and effective sea-based nuclear deterrent will play a key role in shaping the strategic balance in Asia.
The deployment of advanced submarines in the coming years will further strengthen India’s position as a leading maritime power in the Indo-Pacific region.
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With an eye on future developments, India’s naval expansion signals a strong resolve to protect its interests while ensuring a stable and secure Indo-Pacific. The induction of INS Arighat into the Navy is a testimony to India’s growing military capabilities and its strategic vision for the future.
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.