India’s recent strides in advancing its sea-based nuclear deterrence, particularly with the induction of the nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) INS Arighaat, and the forthcoming commissioning of INS Aridhaman, mark a significant escalation in the regional arms race, particularly with Pakistan. While these developments may appear to bolster India’s strategic posture, they introduce a host of destabilizing factors that threaten the delicate balance of deterrence in South Asia.
India’s pursuit of a more robust sea-based nuclear deterrent has been steadily progressing since the induction of INS Arihant, its first SSBN, in 2018. The recent addition of INS Arighaat and the imminent commissioning of INS Aridhaman signal a shift in India’s nuclear strategy, focusing on enhancing its second-strike capability. SSBNs, by design, offer a secure and stealthy platform for launching nuclear strikes, as they can remain submerged and undetected for extended periods.
This ability to deliver a retaliatory strike ensures that India can maintain a credible deterrent against potential adversaries. However, this growing capability also raises significant concerns, particularly in the context of India-Pakistan relations. The introduction of more advanced SSBNs, capable of carrying long-range nuclear missiles like the K-4, exacerbates the already fragile security environment in the region. The K-4 missile, with a range exceeding 3,000 kilometers, allows India to target key strategic locations deep within Pakistan from the relative........