The commissioning of INS Arighaat, India’s second nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine, represents a significant advancement in the country’s nuclear deterrence capabilities. This move underscores India's commitment to enhancing its nuclear triad, which includes nuclear weapons deployed on land, in the air, and at sea. The urgency of this development is clear, especially as China has rapidly modernized its nuclear program, including the production of next-generation ballistic missile submarines and the initiation of regular nuclear-armed sea patrols. With China possessing 500 operational nuclear warheads compared to India's 172, the gap is substantial. However, India maintains close ties with both the US and Russia, nations with over 1,700 such warheads each.
India's Response to Beijing’s Assertiveness
Beijing’s increasing assertiveness in the Indian Ocean
Region has kept Delhi vigilant. India is actively strengthening the undersea
leg of its nuclear triad and developing long-range missiles. The deployment of
INS Arighaat is intended to send a clear message to China that India is a
formidable force in the maritime domain.
Self-Reliance in Defense: Aatmanirbharta in
Action
It is commendable that INS Arighaat is equipped with
indigenous systems and equipment, conceptualized, designed, manufactured, and
integrated by Indian scientists, industry, and naval personnel. This
achievement highlights the importance of aatmanirbharta (self-reliance) in the
defense sector for a nation that remains one of the world’s largest arms
importers. The recent push by the US to engage China in nuclear arms talks
reflects growing international concern over Beijing’s rapid nuclear buildup.
As India monitors these developments, it must ensure that
its ballistic submarine program continues to uphold the principle of 'credible
minimum deterrence' in line with its 'no first use' policy.
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