In a significant strategic move, India has commissioned its second nuclear-capable submarine, INS Arighaat, on Thursday in Visakhapatnam. As the second vessel in the Arihant-class series, INS Arighaat follows the commissioning of INS Arihant in 2016. These submarines are equipped with four missile silos, each housing three K-15 ballistic missiles with a range of 400 nautical miles, and are capable of accommodating K-4 missiles with a range of 1,900 nautical miles. Additionally, the Arihant-class submarines are armed with torpedoes for anti-submarine warfare.
The nuclear triad, which includes land-based and submarine-launched ballistic missiles as well as aircraft capable of carrying nuclear weapons, is bolstered by this new addition. The commissioning of INS Arighaat is seen as a strategic effort by New Delhi to strengthen its deterrence against nuclear-capable neighbours China and Pakistan.
The commissioning ceremony has sparked concerns in China. A Beijing-based military expert expressed that while India’s nuclear deterrence capabilities are increasing, it carries the responsibility to use such power to maintain peace rather than engage in intimidation. This new submarine enhances India’s strategic deterrence and represents a significant advancement in the country’s submarine manufacturing capabilities, as noted by defence analyst Kandlikar Venkatesh.
China’s expanding influence, including its nuclear-armed Type 094 SSBNs patrolling the Indian Ocean, has heightened regional concerns. In response, U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin praised the Indian Navy’s efforts in maintaining maritime security and supporting freedom of navigation during his recent meeting with Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh. Their discussions included advancing defence cooperation, co-production projects, and enhancing maritime and space collaboration.
Additionally, U.S. Embassy spokesperson Christopher Elms urged China to engage in direct negotiations with the Dalai Lama or his representatives without preconditions. This call for dialogue reflects ongoing U.S. support for Tibetan human rights and emphasises the need for direct talks to resolve issues related to Tibet.
