On August 29, 2024, the Indian Navy welcomed its second Arihant-Class submarine, ‘INS Arighaat,’ at a commissioning ceremony held in Visakhapatnam, attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. Singh emphasized that ‘INS Arighaat’ will bolster India’s nuclear triad, enhance nuclear deterrence, and contribute to regional strategic stability and peace, marking a significant milestone for the nation. He praised the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Government’s commitment to achieving self-reliance in defense.
Singh acknowledged the efforts of the Indian Navy, DRDO, and the industry for their collaborative work on this project. He highlighted the boost to the industrial sector, particularly MSMEs, and the job creation resulting from the submarine’s development.
Reflecting on former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s vision that positioned India as a nuclear power, Singh stated that the country is advancing towards becoming a developed nation. He underscored the importance of rapid development across all sectors, including defense, to ensure economic growth and a robust military. The government is focused on equipping soldiers with high-quality, domestically produced weapons and platforms.
The construction of INS Arighaat involved cutting-edge design and manufacturing technologies, extensive R&D, and complex engineering. This submarine features indigenous systems and equipment, developed and integrated by Indian scientists, industry, and naval experts. The advancements in INS Arighaat make it a significant upgrade from its predecessor, INS Arihant, and its presence, alongside INS Arihant, will enhance India’s ability to deter potential threats and protect national interests.
