India launched its first nuclear submarine, Arihant, on July 26 joining the ranks of only five other nations capable of developing their own nuclear submarines. The 6000 ton vessel is powered by an 85 megawatt nuclear reactor and is capable of firing Submarine Launched Ballistic Missiles (SLBM). Arihant was completed with the assistance of Russia, India’s long standing defense partner. The launch of the submarine completes India’s nuclear triad which also includes Mirage 2000 aircrafts for air launches and Agni series of land missiles. Though India has declared a no-first-use nuclear policy it needs reliable second strike capabilities in case of a nuclear attack.
Reacting to the launch of the nuclear submarine, Pakistan said that it is a threat to the peace and security in the region. However, the Indian Prime Minister maintains that the submarine is not meant to threaten anybody but is necessary to keep up with technological advancements worldwide. According to Uday Bhaskar, Director of the National Maritime Foundation, New Delhi, “India is looking beyond the old rivalry, (and) asserting itself as a power on the Asian and international stage.” The Mumbai attacks in November 2008 launched from the sea revealed significant loopholes in India’s naval preparedness. As such increasing sea security has become important to India’s security concerns. China’s military modernization, superior naval preparedness and presence in the region are also of concern to India. China has been supplying arms and trying to increase its influence in Sri Lanka. The launch of this nuclear submarine can be seen as an attempt by India to counter Chinese influence in the South Asian region.
Apart from the Arihant, India will also modernize its naval capabilities by getting two Akula class nuclear powered attack submarines from Russia, and six Scorpene submarines from France. The first delivery of the Scorpene submarines scheduled for 2012 has been delayed due to problems in “absorption of technology.” The deal with France was signed in 2005 and will cost India $ 3 billion. The Russian submarines are expected to be delivered by the end of this year. According to GlobalSecurity.org “the cost to India of acquiring two Akula submarines and their support infrastructure along with training of the crews had been estimated at $2 billion. Other estimates suggested that the deal, which could be worth over Rs 2,000 crore, about $500 million to $650 million dollars.”
