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India's defense capabilities have received a major boost with the commissioning of its second nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine, INS Arighat, on August 29th, 2023. This event marks a significant milestone in India's quest to strengthen its maritime presence and assert its strategic influence in the Indo-Pacific region. The commissioning ceremony took place in Visakhapatnam, where the submarine was built at the Ship Building Centre (SBC). Defence Minister Rajnath Singh presided over the commissioning, signifying the importance of this event for India's national security.
INS Arighat is a formidable addition to India's naval arsenal, possessing advanced capabilities that solidify India's position as a major maritime power. The submarine is named after the Sanskrit term 'Arighat,' meaning 'destroyer of enemies,' aptly reflecting its intended role as a deterrent to any potential adversaries. This submarine, like its predecessor, INS Arihant, is equipped with nuclear-capable Submarine Launched Ballistic Missiles (SLBMs), capable of striking targets thousands of kilometers away. These missiles, coupled with the submarine's stealth technology and extended submerged operational capacity, make INS Arighat a potent force capable of deterring any aggressive actions against India or its allies.
The commissioning of INS Arighat is a strategic move by India to counter China's growing assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific region. China has been aggressively expanding its military presence in the region, establishing military bases, making increasingly aggressive territorial claims, and using economic pressure to exert influence. The presence of two nuclear-powered submarines, INS Arihant and INS Arighat, provides India with a strong deterrent capability against any potential Chinese aggression. Furthermore, the submarine's advanced stealth technology enables it to operate undetected, allowing for a strategic advantage in any potential conflict scenario.
The development of INS Arighat and its predecessor, INS Arihant, is part of India's ambitious submarine program, known as the Arihant-class program. This program reflects India's commitment to becoming a self-reliant naval power with advanced technological capabilities. The program is a testament to the country's growing technological prowess and its commitment to investing in its defense sector. India's success in developing its own nuclear-powered submarines places it among a small, elite group of nations that possess such advanced capabilities, alongside the United States, Russia, the United Kingdom, France, and China. This achievement highlights India's rising global influence and its commitment to securing its national interests.