Vishakhapatnam, India– The induction of INS Arighaat, the second Arihant-class submarine, into the Indian Navy on August 29, 2024, marks a significant boost to India's strategic defence capabilities. As tensions with neighbouring China and Pakistan persist, the advanced nuclear-powered submarine enhances India's deterrence and combat readiness, crucial for maintaining regional stability and security.  

Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh, present at the commissioning ceremony in Visakhapatnam, emphasized the submarine's role in fortifying India's nuclear triad. He stated that INS Arighaat will be instrumental in establishing a strategic balance, particularly in the context of India's complex security environment with China and Pakistan. The submarine's advanced capabilities make it a formidable asset in deterring aggression from these adversaries.  

Enhancing India’s Strategic Deterrence Against China and Pakistan  

In a conflict scenario, INS Arighaat serves as a critical element of India’s second-strike capability, vital for maintaining deterrence against nuclear threats. With its ability to carry nuclear ballistic missiles, the submarine ensures that India can respond decisively to any nuclear attack, thereby deterring potential adversaries from considering a first strike. This capability is particularly crucial in the face of China's expanding naval presence in the Indo-Pacific and Pakistan's ongoing development of its nuclear arsenal.

INS Arihant is equipped with four launch tubes capable of carrying 12 K-15 Sagarika missiles with a range of 750 km or four K-4 missiles with a range of 3,500 km. This range enables the submarine to target critical assets in both China and Pakistan, even from within Indian waters, providing a strategic advantage. The submarine's stealth and endurance further enhance its survivability, making it difficult for adversaries to detect and neutralize, thereby ensuring the credibility of India's nuclear deterrent.  

A Stealthy and Survivable Platform in the Indian Ocean  

The presence of INS Arighaat in the Indian Ocean significantly strengthens India's position in a potential conflict with China or Pakistan. The submarine's stealth capabilities, powered by an advanced pressurized water reactor and a seven-blade propeller, allow it to operate undetected in hostile waters. With a submerged speed of 24 knots (44 km/h), it can swiftly manoeuvre and position itself for strategic strikes, while remaining elusive to enemy detection systems.  

In his address, Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh highlighted the importance of a strong and resilient defence system in today's geopolitical scenario. He pointed out that India's growing military capabilities, including the induction of INS Arighaat, send a clear message to potential adversaries about India's readiness to defend its interests. The submarine's advanced technology and indigenous systems further enhance its operational effectiveness, making it a reliable asset in high-stakes situations.  

Operational Flexibility and Strategic Impact  

In the event of heightened tensions or conflict, INS Arighaat provides India with operational flexibility. It can be deployed for extended patrols in key areas such as the South China Sea, and the Arabian Sea, or close to enemy coastlines, ensuring a continuous strategic presence. Its ability to remain submerged for long durations enables it to evade enemy surveillance and maintain the element of surprise, a crucial factor in naval warfare.

The submarine's induction also contributes to India's broader defence strategy by enhancing its maritime domain awareness and power projection capabilities. This is particularly relevant in the context of China's growing influence in the Indo-Pacific region and Pakistan's efforts to modernize its naval forces. The presence of INS Arighaat bolsters India's ability to counter these threats and maintain a strategic balance in the region.   

A Robust Deterrent in the Face of Regional Challenges  

With the addition of INS Arighaat to the Indian Navy's fleet, India has significantly strengthened its defence posture against China and Pakistan. The submarine's nuclear capabilities, coupled with its advanced stealth technology, provide a robust deterrent that complicates any potential adversary's strategic calculations. This not only enhances India's national security but also contributes to regional stability by discouraging aggressive actions.

As India continues to modernize its military and expand its strategic capabilities, the role of platforms like INS Arighaat becomes increasingly vital. The submarine's induction represents a key milestone in India's journey towards achieving Aatmanirbharta in defence and asserting its position as a major regional power.