The Indian Navy has strengthened its nuclear capabilities with the commissioning of the second Arihant-Class submarine, INS Arighaat. The ceremony, held in Visakhapatnam on Thursday, was attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who underscored the submarine’s importance in bolstering India’s nuclear deterrence.
INS Arighaat is expected to play a crucial role in maintaining strategic balance and ensuring peace in the region. Singh highlighted the submarine’s contribution to India’s nuclear triad and its decisive role in national security. He also acknowledged the achievement as a reflection of the government’s commitment to self-reliance in defense.
Praising the Indian Navy, DRDO, and the industry for their collaborative efforts, Singh emphasized the importance of self-reliance as the bedrock of national strength. He said that the project has significantly benefited the country’s industrial sector, particularly MSMEs, by creating more employment opportunities.
The Defence Minister also recalled former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s leadership in positioning India as a nuclear weapon state. He stressed the need for rapid development across all fields, including defense, to ensure the nation’s growth in the current geopolitical environment. According to Singh, the government is working on a mission mode to equip the military with top-quality, indigenously made weapons and platforms.
The construction of INS Arighaat involved advanced design and manufacturing techniques, detailed R&D, and the use of special materials, highlighting the complex engineering and skilled workmanship involved. The submarine features indigenous systems and equipment that were conceptualized, designed, manufactured, and integrated by Indian scientists, industry, and Naval personnel.
The Ministry of Defence stated that INS Arighaat is more advanced than its predecessor, INS Arihant, due to the technological advancements undertaken domestically. The combined presence of both submarines is expected to enhance India’s ability to deter potential adversaries and protect its national interests.