• India’s second nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine was commissioned into the Navy on August 29 in the presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.

• The ceremony for commissioning of the second Arihant-Class submarine ‘INS Arighaat’ took place in Andhra Pradesh’s Visakhapatnam.

• Rajnath Singh said this will further strengthen the country’s nuclear triad and enhance nuclear deterrence, help in establishing strategic balance and peace in the region, and play a decisive role in the security of the country.

• INS Arihant, India’s first home-made nuclear submarine, was launched in July 2009 and was quietly commissioned in 2016.

• ‘Arihant’ means “destroyer of the enemies”.

• India’s nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine SSBN (Ship, Submersible, Ballistic, Nuclear) programme is a closely-guarded project.

• The SSBN programme is a key element of India’s nuclear deterrence capability.

• The technological advancements undertaken indigenously on this submarine make it significantly more advanced than its predecessor INS Arihant.

• The commissioning of INS Arighaat is being seen as a step towards boosting India’s naval prowess and nuclear deterrence capabilities.

• The construction of INS Arighaat involved the use of advanced design and manufacturing technology, detailed research and development, utilisation of special materials, complex engineering and highly skilled workmanship.

• It has the distinction of having the indigenous systems and equipment which were conceptualised, designed, manufactured and integrated by the Indian scientists, industry and naval personnel.

• The presence of both INS Arihant and INS Arighaat will enhance India’s capability to deter potential adversaries and safeguard its national interests.

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