New Delhi: India’s first nuclear ballistic missile submarine, INS Arihant has completed its first “deterrence patrol”.
In a live address to its crew, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “I congratulate all those involved, especially the crew of INS Arihant for this accomplishment, which will always be remembered in our history.”
PM added, “In an era like this, a credible nuclear deterrence is the need of the hour. The success of INS Arihant gives a fitting response to those who indulge in nuclear blackmail.”
The submarine comes under the direct control of the Nuclear Command Authority headed by PM Modi.
INS Arihant weighs 6000 tonnes and has been under development for three decades under a highly classified programme. A ballistic missile submarine is a strategic asset as it can fire city-destroying missiles from anywhere in the ocean and remain undetected. It can sneak closer to the coast of an enemy nation and fire ballistic missiles deep into their territory.
INS Arihant completes India’s nuclear triad by adding maritime strike capability to land- and air-based delivery platforms. Though China and India’s capabilities are almost at maturity, only the US and Russia are considered full-fledged nuclear triad powers now
Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Home Minister Rajnath Singh and other union ministers tweeted the Congratulate the Navy.
India has achieved completion of her nuclear triad with the first successful deterrence patrol by INS Arihant. This places India in the league of the few countries that can design, construct and operate Strategic Strike Nuclear Submarines (SSBN).
— Nirmala Sitharaman (@nsitharaman) November 5, 2018
Congratulations to brave Indian sailors on INS Arihant for successfully completing its first deterrence patrol marking the successful realisation of the nuclear triad. This is a momentous occasion for India and will go a long way in safeguarding our strategic & security interests
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) November 5, 2018
Ms Kalinga