Sentry Staff
India has announced a new nuclear submarine program, signaling a significant leap in its maritime defense capabilities. The announcement — made in New Delhi in October 2024 — has garnered attention and praise from the highest levels of the Indian government and Indian military, emphasizing the strategic importance of this regional development.
“This initiative underscores our commitment to strengthening national security and maintaining peace in the Indian Ocean region,” Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said during a news conference at the defense ministry headquarters. “Our new fleet of nuclear submarines will enhance our deterrence capabilities and ensure that we are prepared to address any potential threats.”
The new program will involve the construction of several advanced nuclear-powered submarines, equipped with state-of-the-art technology and weaponry. India already has a nuclear-powered class of submarine with its Arihant-class, which was commissioned in 2016 and designed to aid in deterring potential adversaries and safeguarding national interests. India’s newest class of submarines will have technological capabilities beyond those of its current fleet and is expected to significantly bolster India’s naval prowess, providing an enduring and stealthy platform for both offensive and defensive operations.
“The addition of these nuclear submarines to our fleet will transform our naval operations, allowing us to maintain a credible second-strike capability and ensuring our strategic autonomy,” Retired Adm. Karambir Singh, India’s former chief of Naval Staff, said during a recent Navy Day celebration. “This is a pivotal moment for the Indian Navy as we continue to evolve into a blue-water force capable of operating across the globe.”
Part of India’s push to modernize and grow its fleet is in response to continued attempts at influence by the People’s Liberation Army (PLA). At least 10 Chinese warships, including ballistic missile tracking vessels and surveillance ships, have been operating in the region each month since the start of 2023, India’s PTC News reported in October 2024. “The urgency behind prioritizing sub-surface deterrence becomes clear when considering the escalating presence of Chinese naval forces in the Indian Ocean Region,” PTC News said, adding that the developments underscore a “clear trajectory for the future of the Indian Navy, emphasizing the critical role of nuclear options in addressing challenges posed by China and its proxies in the Indo-Pacific region.”
Analysts continue to closely monitor international reactions regarding the implications for regional stability. “India’s move to develop a robust nuclear submarine fleet is a clear signal of its rising maritime ambitions and a response to the growing presence of other major powers in the Indian Ocean,” Dr. C. Raja Mohan, a senior fellow at the Institute of South Asian Studies, said during an October 2024 televised interview. “This will undoubtedly lead to a recalibration of naval strategies among India’s neighbors and global powers alike.”
Indian political leaders have also voiced their support for the program, emphasizing its importance for national security. In a recent parliamentary session held in October 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi affirmed the government’s commitment to enhancing defense capabilities. “The launch of our nuclear submarine program marks a new chapter in India’s defense narrative,” Modi said. “It is a testament to our resolve to protect our sovereignty and contribute to global peace and security.”
As India moves forward with its nuclear submarine program, the nation stands at the threshold of a new era in maritime defense. The program promises to not only enhance India’s naval capabilities but also to shape the strategic landscape of the Indian Ocean region for years to come. With strong support from government and military officials, as well as positive reception from defense analysts, India’s nuclear submarine program is poised to become a cornerstone of its national defense strategy.