Politics
Modi Government Strengthens Nuclear Submarine Deterrence to Counter Growing Chinese Threat
Modi Government Strengthens Nuclear Submarine Deterrence to Counter Growing Chinese Threat
The Narendra Modi government has approved the construction of two nuclear attack submarines, signaling a shift in Indian defense policy away from building a third aircraft carrier and toward undersea deterrence, as aircraft carriers are vulnerable to long-range Chinese missiles and are a less reliable means of protecting India’s maritime security than nuclear submarines.
The increased presence of Chinese warships and surveillance vessels in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) has prompted the prioritizing of sub-surface defense. Chinese warships, including surveillance ships and ballistic missile trackers, have been sighted in the area on a monthly average since 2023. Notably, Chinese vessels Xiang Yang Hong 3 and Yuan Wang 7 are presently keeping an eye on strategic moves off the coasts of Mauritius and Chennai, respectively.
The national security planners of India have opted to counter this increasing threat with nuclear-powered submarines due to their ability to observe and deter Chinese operations, particularly in the southern Indian Ocean. In the next year, India would command three nuclear ballistic missile submarines in the Indo-Pacific area with the commissioning of INS Aridhaman. However, K-4 missiles with a range of 3500 km would be carried by its successors, greatly enhancing India’s deterrent capacity. The first ship, INS Arihant, carried K-15 ballistic missiles, which had a range of just 750 km.
A second nuclear assault submarine of the Akula class is also anticipated to be leased by the Indian Navy from Russia by 2028. For the purpose of strengthening its maritime defense capabilities, India is pushing for the submarine to be delivered by 2027, even if the project has been delayed because of the Russia-Ukraine war.
The approval of two nuclear-powered assault submarines (SSNs) also underscores India’s changing strategic orientation since Communist China has replaced Pakistan as the country’s main military foe, offering a greater threat both ashore and offshore. The May 2020 Chinese incursion in eastern Ladakh has compelled Indian security planners to concentrate on sea-based deterrence, particularly since a significant amount of India’s trade goes via the waters off Lakshadweep and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Also Read: Baba Siddiqui Murder: Everything We Know About the NCP Leader’s Attackers and Lawrence Bishnoi Gang’s Involvement
The construction of three more sophisticated Kalvari-class (Scorpene) diesel attack submarines has been approved by the Indian government as well. These ships are meant to counter threats in the region and help Mazagon Dockyards Limited, in partnership with France, establish itself as a hub for exporting Scorpene submarines to other nations.
Finally, India’s long-term strategic focus on fending off the growing challenge from China and its proxies in the Indo-Pacific area is shown by the Modi government’s concentration on nuclear submarines. It seems that the Indian Navy’s future will depend more and more on nuclear options for deterrence as well as defense.
