New Delhi: During his term, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched two nuclear ballistic missile submarines, which fully reflected India’s ‘India First’ policy that serves the strategic aim of India to build a credible minimum, and more importantly, indigenous nuclear arsenal with second strike capability. The first ballistic missile submarine, SSBN INS Arihant, was commissioned two and a half years ago at the time of writing this paper, yet it was only launched in 2018, nine years from its start.
The second Launch of Kalvari, INS Arighaat, was commissioned into the Indian Navy on the 29th of August, 2024. However, it was launched just seven years ago, while the third launch, the INS Aridaman, is slated for commission next year following the same year pattern. Besides, India got its first ballistic missile tracking ship, the INS Dhruv, on September 10, 2021, commissioned by National Security Advisor Ajit Doval.
These revelations are central to India’s declared nuclear triad strategy offering the nation a qualitative image as a major blue water navy with long-range missile systems. The use of these ballistic missile submarines it not only provides access denial to adversaries in the Indo-Pacific but also establishes a second strike capability against any potential threat to India’s land as well as maritime borders.
India currently today operates two aircraft carriers and two SSBNs that can significantly influence the stability of the Indian Ocean along with destroyers, frigates, and diesel attack submarines. This strong naval force can be viewed as a signal for the intention of the aggressor state to restrain itself from attacking because, in response, it will receive a devastating blow.
This conclusion is quite evident given that the Modi government’s national security planners have shifted focus from large surface platforms. This is evident with the Navy’s priorities of procuring two projects 75 Scorpene, conventionally powered submarines, and three advanced Kalvari class, diesel attack submarines respectively instead of deciding on a third aircraft carrier.
The growth of such a force enhances its own indigenous capabilities, as well as monitors the Chinese PLA Navy activity. At present, there are three SCRs survey vessels from south Car Nicobar to the east of Sri Lanka.
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