INS Arighaat and Nuclear Policy of India

Syllabus :GS 3/Science and Tech 

In News

• India’s second nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine, the INS Arighaat, was commissioned into service at Visakhapatnam

About INS Arighaat

• It features several technological upgrades compared to its predecessor, INS Arihant.
• Both submarines share the same reactor and dimensions but Arighaat incorporates advanced design and manufacturing technology.
• Construction and Indigenization: The submarine involved advanced technology, special materials, and skilled workmanship.
  • It includes indigenous systems and equipment developed by Indian scientists and industry.
• Importance : INS Arighaat enhances India’s nuclear triad, which includes land-based missiles, aircraft, and nuclear-powered submarines (SSBNs) with ballistic missiles.
  • It strengthens India’s nuclear deterrence and contributes to maintaining regional strategic balance.

Nuclear Doctrine:

• Historical Context: In 1962 India’s nuclear weapons development began after the 1962 war with China and China’s 1964 nuclear test.
  • In 1974 India conducted its first nuclear test, Pokhran-I, termed as a “peaceful nuclear explosion.”
  • In 1998  India conducted Pokhran-II tests, which included fission and thermonuclear devices, demonstrating capability to integrate nuclear warheads with its missile program.
• Features 
  • Credible Minimum Deterrence: India aims to maintain a credible minimum deterrence.
  • No First Use (NFU) Policy: Nuclear weapons will only be used in retaliation against a nuclear attack on Indian territory or forces.
  • Massive Retaliation: Nuclear retaliation to a first strike will be massive and designed to inflict unacceptable damage.
  • Authorization: Nuclear retaliatory attacks can only be authorized by the civilian political leadership through the Nuclear Command Authority (NCA).
  • Non-Use Against Non-Nuclear States: India will not use nuclear weapons against non-nuclear weapon states.
  • Response to Biological/Chemical Attacks: India retains the option of nuclear retaliation in the event of a major biological or chemical attack.
  • Export Controls and Treaties: Continued strict controls on nuclear and missile-related material exports, participation in the Fissile Material Cutoff Treaty negotiations, and adherence to the moratorium on nuclear tests.
  • Commitment to Disarmament: Ongoing commitment to global, verifiable, and non-discriminatory nuclear disarmament.

Challenges and Issues

• India still lags behind bigger nuclear powers, with the US, Russia, and China possessing more advanced nuclear subs. 
• China’s expanding fleet of nuclear-powered submarines and Pakistan’s potential development of sea-based nuclear deterrence pose challenges to India.
• Some argue India’s “No First Use” (NFU) policy and emphasis on a small arsenal may undermine credible deterrence.
• Critics believe the doctrine’s focus on “minimum deterrence” and “massive retaliation” may not be sufficient against evolving threats.

Suggestion  and Way Forward 

• China’s advanced Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) capabilities and increased submarine deployments in the Indian Ocean highlight the need for India’s robust deterrence.
• India’s nuclear capabilities should be assessed relative to China and Pakistan, both of which have advanced arsenals.
• The commissioning of INS Arighaat is crucial for maintaining a credible second-strike capability amid growing nuclear threats from China and Pakistan.
• To ensure continuous at-sea deterrence, India should aim to expand its SSBN fleet, with a suggested goal of at least six SSBNs.

Source:TH