India’s Strategic Advancement: INS Arighaat and the Future of Naval Power

India has recently made a significant stride in its defense capabilities with the commissioning of INS Arighaat, its second nuclear ballistic missile submarine. This development follows the introduction of INS Arihant, the country’s first nuclear-powered submarine. With INS Arighaat now operational, India can strategically deploy nuclear missiles in both the Bay of Bengal and the Sea of Oman, marking a key achievement for the nation and aligning with its vision of "Naya Bharat"—a new and powerful India.

Historically, the realm of nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines was controlled by five countries: France, Russia, the United Kingdom, the United States, and China. All these nations are permanent members of the United Nations Security Council. India’s entry into this exclusive group without holding a Security Council seat signifies a monumental leap in its technological and strategic capabilities, showcasing the emergence of a "Naya Bharat"—a nation increasingly asserting its strength on the global stage.

INS Arighaat, like its predecessor INS Arihant, is equipped with nuclear propulsion, providing a substantial strategic advantage. Nuclear-powered submarines are capable of remaining submerged for extended periods, making them difficult to detect and intercept. This stealth capability allows these submarines to execute missile launches with minimal risk of detection, thereby enhancing India's defensive and deterrent capabilities. Armed with K-15 and K-4 missiles, INS Arighaat and INS Arihant can target significant locations within China and other potential adversaries, reinforcing India's strategic position.

China’s Global Times has raised concerns about the strategic implications of India’s new submarine capabilities, highlighting discrepancies in the reported ranges of the K-15 and K-4 missiles. Despite these concerns, India's advancements in naval technology reflect a substantial enhancement of its maritime defense capabilities and contribute to a more balanced regional power dynamic.

Looking ahead, Project 75 Alpha is set to further bolster India’s naval defense under the "Naya Bharat" vision by focusing on the development of nuclear-powered attack submarines. Unlike ballistic missile submarines, these attack submarines will be designed to address threats from other submarines and surface vessels. This initiative demonstrates India's commitment to enhancing its naval strength and strategic capabilities in a rapidly changing global environment.

The commissioning of INS Arighaat and the ongoing development under Project 75 Alpha underscore India's dedication to advancing its defense and strategic capabilities. These efforts reflect the proactive approach of "Naya Bharat" in strengthening its maritime power and maintaining a robust deterrent amidst a complex and evolving geopolitical landscape.