India has added a new nuclear-powered submarine, INS Aridhaman, to its navy, boosting its defence strength. The submarine was officially commissioned in Visakhapatnam on Friday in the presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.
INS Aridhaman is India’s third nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine, after INS Arihant and INS Arighaat. It has been built in India under a secret defence programme, showing the country’s growing ability to develop advanced military technology on its own.
The submarine is bigger, quieter, and more advanced than the earlier ones. Because it runs on nuclear power, it can stay underwater for long periods without coming up, making it difficult for enemies to detect.
INS Aridhaman can carry nuclear-capable missiles like K-15 and K-4, which can strike targets from long distances. This adds to India’s nuclear triad — the ability to launch nuclear weapons from land, air, and sea.
This submarine plays an important role in India’s second-strike capability. This means that even if the country is attacked first, it can still respond with a strong counterattack. Submarines like INS Aridhaman are hard to find underwater, making them a reliable part of this defence system.
The project also highlights India’s push for self-reliance in defence manufacturing. Much of the submarine was built in the country, especially at the Ship Building Centre in Visakhapatnam.
This strengthens India’s position in the Indian Ocean region, where strategic competition is increasing. With three such submarines, India is moving closer to maintaining continuous patrols at sea for better security.
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