The commissioning of the second Arihant-Class submarine, INS Arighaat, into the Indian Navy marks a significant milestone in India’s maritime and nuclear defence capabilities. Unveiled in Visakhapatnam on August 29, 2024, in the presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, INS Arighaat is set to further fortify India’s nuclear triad, enhance nuclear deterrence, and play a decisive role in maintaining strategic balance in the region.
Technological Marvel: Advancements in Indigenous Defence Capabilities
INS Arighaat represents the pinnacle of India’s indigenous defence capabilities, built using advanced design and manufacturing technologies. The submarine’s construction involved intricate research and development, the utilization of specialized materials, complex engineering, and the expertise of highly skilled Indian scientists, engineers, and naval personnel. Compared to its predecessor, INS Arihant, the technological advancements in INS Arighaat are noteworthy, making it a more potent asset in India’s naval arsenal.
One of the key features of INS Arighaat is its indigenous systems and equipment, which were conceptualized, designed, manufactured, and integrated within India. This self-reliance not only bolsters India’s defence capabilities but also aligns with the government’s broader vision of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India). Singh lauded the collaborative efforts of the Indian Navy, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), and the domestic industrial sector in achieving this monumental feat. He underlined that projects like INS Arighaat provide a significant boost to India’s industrial sector, particularly to Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), creating new employment opportunities and fostering innovation.
Strategic Imperative: Strengthening India’s Nuclear Triad
The addition of INS Arighaat to India’s naval fleet is a crucial step in bolstering the country’s nuclear triad, which consists of land-based missiles, aircraft capable of delivering nuclear bombs, and nuclear-powered submarines equipped with ballistic missiles. This triad is the cornerstone of India’s nuclear deterrence strategy, ensuring a credible second-strike capability in the event of a nuclear attack. The presence of both INS Arihant and INS Arighaat in India’s arsenal significantly enhances the country’s ability to deter potential adversaries, particularly in a region marked by increasing geopolitical tensions.
India’s strategic environment is shaped by the presence of two nuclear-armed neighbors—China and Pakistan—both of which have been modernizing their nuclear arsenals. To credibly deter these adversaries, India must maintain a robust and survivable nuclear force. The commissioning of INS Arighaat comes at a time when China’s Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) capabilities are rapidly advancing. The People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) has increased its submarine deployments in the Indian Ocean, posing a potential threat to Indian submarines on patrol. In such a scenario, having multiple SSBNs (nuclear-powered submarines armed with ballistic missiles) like INS Arighaat on continuous patrol is crucial to maintaining a credible deterrence.
Regional Balance: A Counter to Chinese and Pakistani Advances
China’s growing military capabilities, including its expanding fleet of nuclear-powered submarines, have altered the strategic balance in the Indo-Pacific region. The PLAN’s frequent submarine patrols in the Indian Ocean have heightened the need for India to enhance its maritime security. INS Arighaat, with its advanced stealth and operational capabilities, serves as a critical counterbalance to China’s assertiveness in the region.
Similarly, Pakistan’s pursuit of tactical nuclear weapons and the potential development of sea-based nuclear deterrence pose additional challenges for India. In this context, INS Arighaat not only strengthens India’s defensive posture but also sends a clear signal to both China and Pakistan about India’s resolve to protect its national interests.
The Path Ahead: Expanding the SSBN Fleet
While the commissioning of INS Arighaat is a significant achievement, India must continue to expand its SSBN fleet to ensure a continuous at-sea deterrence capability. Experts argue that a fleet of at least six SSBNs would be necessary to maintain two or more submarines on patrol at all times, ensuring that India retains its second-strike capability even in the face of potential threats. The development of the next-generation ‘S-5’ Class SSBNs should be prioritized to meet this strategic requirement.
As China’s nuclear arsenal is projected to grow substantially by 2030, with an estimated 1,000 warheads, India’s focus on enhancing its nuclear deterrence through platforms like INS Arighaat will be crucial in maintaining regional stability. The submarine’s commissioning is not just a technological milestone but a strategic necessity in an increasingly volatile geopolitical landscape.