In a significant milestone for India’s defence capabilities, the second Arihant-Class submarine, INS Arighaat, was commissioned into the Indian Navy on Thursday at Visakhapatnam. Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh presided over the ceremony, hailing the occasion as a testament to the nation’s unwavering resolve to achieve self-reliance in defence.
INS Arighaat is poised to play a pivotal role in bolstering India’s nuclear triad, enhancing nuclear deterrence, and establishing strategic balance and peace in the region. The Raksha Mantri expressed confidence that the submarine will significantly contribute to the country’s security.
The commissioning of INS Arighaat is a shining example of India’s indigenous capabilities, with the construction involving advanced design, research, and development, utilisation of special materials, and complex engineering. The submarine boasts of indigenous systems and equipment, conceptualised, designed, manufactured, and integrated by Indian scientists, industry, and Naval personnel.
The technological advancements made on INS Arighaat make it significantly more advanced than its predecessor, INS Arihant. The presence of both submarines will enhance India’s capability to deter potential adversaries and safeguard its national interests.
Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh commended the Indian Navy, DRDO, and the industry for their hard work and synergy in achieving this capability. He emphasized the importance of self-reliance in defence, terming it the foundation of self-power. The project has also given a significant boost to the country’s industrial sector, especially MSMEs, creating new employment opportunities.
Recalling former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s vision, the Raksha Mantri stated that India is surging ahead to become a developed country, and it is essential to develop rapidly in every field, including defence. The government is working to ensure that Indian soldiers possess top-quality weapons and platforms made on Indian soil.