India's atomic triad to bolster security, strategic interests: Shah

Few hours after the INS Arihant successfully completed its first deterrence patrol, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Amit Shah on Monday said that India's atomic triad would be effective in strengthening the security and strategic interests of the country.

"The achievement of INS Arihant and India's atomic triad will be effective in strengthening the country's security and strategic interests. It also shows the historic commitment of establishing peace in the world of India," Shah said.

While hailing the successful first patrol operation of the nuclear-capable submarine, Shah added that the Indian Navy has enhanced the pride of the nation. He further congratulated the scientists, technical experts and soldiers who were associated with the campaign.

Lauding Prime Minister Narendra Modi for strengthening the country's economic and strategic position at the international level, the BJP president said, "The Prime Minister's commitment to national security and issues related to strategic interests will continue to benefit 130 million citizens for a long time."

Shah said that the country is fully devoted to establish peace, on the one hand, but is also fully capable of giving a befitting reply to those who try to create obstacles in the atmosphere of peace, on the other hand.

"Under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, a strong India will not only fulfil the hopes and aspirations of more than 125 crore Indians but will also be the pillar for global peace and stability in today's world of uncertainty and apprehensions," he underlined.

The BJP president further said that the achievement brings India in the select group of few countries which have the capability to design, build and operate the Strategic Strike Nuclear Submarine (SSBN).

Earlier, Prime Minister Modi, while addressing the crew of INS Arihant which returned from its first deterrence patrol, had said that the nuclear-capable submarine is a big step towards strengthening the country's security.

"The success of INS Arihant is a big step towards strengthening national security. For the country's enemies, it is an open challenge," the Prime Minister had said. He had also underlined that a credible nuclear deterrence is the need of the hour and the success of INS Arihant gives a fitting response to those who indulge in nuclear blackmail.

With the INS Arihant completing its first deterrence patrol, India now has a nuclear triad -- the capability to fire nuclear weapons from air, sea or land.