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| India launches its first indigenous nuclear submarine |
| BS Reporter / Visakhapatnam Jul 27, 2009, 00:59 IST |
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Prime minister says the country has no aggressive designs.
India today achieved a historic naval milestone with the induction of its first indigenous nuclear-powered submarine ‘INS Arihant’, even as Prime Minister Manmohan Singh declared that the country had no aggressive designs but had to take all measures to safeguard itself.
On the occasion, the prime minister said: “The government is fully committed to ensuring the defence of our national interest and the protection of our territorial integrity. As part of this, the government will continue to render all support to the constant modernisation of the Armed Forces.”
With today’s induction, India has become the sixth country after the US, Russia, France, the UK and China to possess a nuclear-powered submarine.
With this, India also announced the completion of its nuclear triad, the capability to launch nuclear-tipped missiles from land, water and sea.
“The sea is increasingly becoming relevant in the context of India’s security interests and we must re-adjust our military preparedness to this changing environment, and our Navy has a huge responsibility in this regard,” he added.
INS Arihant is a ballistic missile submarine armed with 12 K-15 missiles, each capable of carrying a 500-kg nuclear warhead, having a range of 750-km.
“India does not have any aggressive designs nor do we seek to threaten anyone. We seek an external environment in our region and beyond that is conducive to our peaceful development and the protection of our value system,” the PM pointed out. “Nevertheless, it is incumbent upon us to take all measures necessary to safeguard our country and to keep pace with technological advancements worldwide,” he stated.
Defence Minister A K Antony, Navy Chief Admiral Sureesh Mehta and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy were also present on the occasion.
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