India's Underwater Strength: The Evolution of its Submarine Capabilities

India's naval ambitions are increasingly defined by its growing submarine fleet, which reflects the nation's strategic shift towards bolstering its underwater capabilities. From its early focus on diesel-electric submarines to its ongoing pursuit of nuclear-powered options, India is steadily advancing in the complex domain of submarine warfare. This article examines India's evolving submarine force and its broader implications for regional security.

India's underwater defense capabilities are a vital component of its overall military strategy, particularly in the context of an increasingly contested Indo-Pacific region. Over the past few decades, the Indian Navy has significantly modernized its submarine fleet, advancing from conventional diesel-electric submarines to a formidable combination of nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs) and nuclear-powered attack submarines (SSNs). The expansion and modernization of India's submarine fleet are central to its evolving maritime strategy, designed to ensure a credible deterrence, enhance strategic flexibility, and safeguard its maritime interests.

Early Development and the Drive for Nuclear Capabilities India's interest in nuclear-powered submarines dates back to the 1960s when the country first explored the potential of incorporating nuclear-powered vessels into its fleet. However, it wasn't until 1983 that the Indian government formally launched the Advanced Technology Vessel (ATV) program, which aimed at developing indigenous nuclear submarines. This initiative would eventually pave the way for the development of the Arihant-class SSBNs, integral to India's nuclear triad, which also includes land-based and air-launched nuclear weapons.

India's first nuclear-powered submarine, the INS Arihant, was commissioned in 2016. This marked a significant milestone in India's strategic deterrence capabilities, placing it among a select group of nations with the technological expertise to build and operate nuclear submarines. The INS Arihant, equipped with 12 submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs), plays a crucial role in India's minimum nuclear deterrence policy, ensuring the country's ability to retaliate in the event of a nuclear attack.