India is poised to significantly enhance its naval capabilities with the imminent commissioning of its third indigenously built nuclear-powered submarine, the INS Aridaman. This announcement was made by Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi during a press conference held on Tuesday, ahead of Navy Day. The commissioning of INS Aridaman will strengthen the sea-based component of India's nuclear triad.
Admiral Tripathi stated that the INS Aridaman is currently in the final stages of trials and will soon join the fleet. This marks a significant milestone in the country's strategic deterrence program. The INS Aridaman will join the ranks of INS Arihant and INS Arighaat, forming a trio of Arihant-class nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs). INS Arighaat, the second submarine in this class, was commissioned on August 29, 2024.
The construction of the INS Arighaat involved advanced design and manufacturing technologies, specialized materials, and complex engineering. These submarines are equipped to carry longer-range missiles, bolstering India's sea-based nuclear deterrence by enhancing both strike capability and survivability, which aligns with the country's nuclear doctrine.
Admiral Tripathi also touched upon other developments within the Indian Navy. He mentioned that the process of acquiring six stealth submarines under Project 75 India (P75-I) is nearing completion. Furthermore, the Navy anticipates receiving the first four of the 26 Rafale-M fighter jets in 2028, a procurement deal worth ₹64,000 crore that was signed with France in April.
In addition to these advancements, Admiral Tripathi highlighted the Indian Navy's role in Operation Sindoor, stating that the Navy's aggressive stance compelled the Pakistan Navy to remain close to its ports. He noted that the Indian Navy has maintained a high level of operational readiness, particularly in the Western Arabian Sea, over the past seven to eight months, following hostilities with Pakistan. Operation Sindoor has placed a financial strain on Pakistan, as many merchant ships have avoided traveling to the country, leading to increased insurance costs for vessels traveling to Pakistan.
Since the last Navy Day, the Navy has commissioned 12 warships, including INS Udaygiri, which is the 100th indigenously designed warship developed by the Navy’s Warship Design Bureau. Efforts are also underway to induct women submariners, marking a progressive step towards expanding the roles of women in the Navy. This aligns with the Navy's focus on strengthening operational readiness in the face of evolving regional and global security challenges and reflects India's proactive approach to emerging maritime threats.
