INS Arighat Joins Indian Navy as Second Nuclear

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India’s second nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine, the INS Arighat, was commissioned into service at Visakhapatnam.

It features several technological improvements compared to its predecessor, INS Arihant.
Both submarines share the same reactor and dimensions but Arighat includes advanced layout and manufacturing technology.
Construction and Indigenization: The submarine concerned advanced technology, unique materials, and skilled workmanship.
- It consists of indigenous structures and systems evolved by Indian scientists and industry.
Importance : INS Arighat enhances India’s nuclear triad, which incorporates land-based missiles, plane, and nuclear-powered submarines (SSBNs) with ballistic missiles.
- It strengthens India’s nuclear deterrence and contributes to maintaining nearby strategic balance.

Historical Context: In 1962 India’s nuclear guns development commenced after the 1962 war with China and China’s 1964 nuclear test.
In 1974 India carried out its first nuclear test, Pokhran-I, termed as a “non violent nuclear explosion.”
In 1998 India performed Pokhran-II assessments, which protected fission and thermonuclear systems, demonstrating functionality to integrate nuclear warheads with its missile program.

Credible Minimum Deterrence: India aims to preserve a reputable minimum deterrence.
No First Use (NFU) Policy: Nuclear weapons will most effectively be used in retaliation towards a nuclear attack on Indian territory or forces.
Massive Retaliation: Nuclear retaliation to a primary strike can be big and designed to inflict unacceptable damage.
Authorization: Nuclear retaliatory assaults can only be authorized by the civilian political management through the Nuclear Command Authority (NCA).
Non-Use Against Non-Nuclear States: India will now not use nuclear guns against non-nuclear weapon states.
Response to Biological/Chemical Attacks: India retains the option of nuclear retaliation inside the event of a main biological or chemical assault.
Export Controls and Treaties: Continued strict controls on nuclear and missile-associated cloth exports, participation in the Fissile Material Cutoff Treaty negotiations, and adherence to the moratorium on nuclear tests.
Commitment to Disarmament: Ongoing commitment to international, verifiable, and non-discriminatory nuclear disarmament.

India still lags at the back of larger nuclear powers, with the United States, Russia, and China owning more advanced nuclear subs.
China’s increasing fleet of nuclear-powered submarines and Pakistan’s capability development of sea-based nuclear deterrence pose demanding situations to India.
Some argue India’s “No First Use” (NFU) coverage and emphasis on a small arsenal may also undermine credible deterrence.
Critics consider the doctrine’s recognition of “minimal deterrence” and “massive retaliation” may not be enough against evolving threats.

China’s advanced Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) capabilities and multiplied submarine deployments within the Indian Ocean highlight the need for India’s robust deterrence.
India’s nuclear capabilities have to be assessed relative to China and Pakistan, each of which have superior arsenals.
The commissioning of INS Arighat is critical for keeping a reputable second-strike functionality amid growing nuclear threats from China and Pakistan.
To make certain non-stop at-sea deterrence, India ought to aim to amplify its SSBN fleet, with a suggested goal of at least six SSBNs.

Source: The Hindu

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