India faces a growing challenge in the Indian Ocean as China’s naval activities in the region intensify. Chinese warships are becoming a common sight in India’s maritime neighborhood, with Beijing deploying between 12 to 15 vessels annually in these strategic waters. This rise in Chinese naval presence has raised concerns in New Delhi, prompting India to bolster its own maritime capabilities, particularly with the deployment of advanced submarines.
The Rising Chinese Naval Presence
Recently, an Indian Navy ship docked in Colombo, Sri Lanka, where it was joined by three Chinese warships. The frequency of these visits is steadily increasing, signaling China’s intention to expand its influence in the Indian Ocean. The presence of Chinese vessels so close to India’s shores highlights the growing competition between the two Asian powers over control of critical sea lanes.
India’s Strategic Response: Nuclear Submarines
To counter China’s growing influence, India is focusing on enhancing its naval deterrence. A key part of this strategy involves the deployment of nuclear submarines, with the latest addition being the INS Aridhaman, also known as INS Arat, which means “destroyer of enemies.” This new submarine is a crucial part of India’s nuclear triad – the ability to launch nuclear weapons from land, sea, and air. India’s nuclear triad became fully operational in 2018 with the INS Arihant, the country’s first nuclear-capable submarine. The INS Aridhaman will now reinforce this capability.
The Power of SSBNs
Both the INS Arihant and INS Aridhaman belong to a special class of submarines known as SSBNs, which stands for Ship Submersible Ballistic Nuclear. SSBNs are incredibly versatile, often referred to as the “Swiss Army knives” of submarines. They can remain submerged for extended periods, launch ballistic missiles, and evade detection with advanced stealth capabilities. Unlike conventional diesel-powered submarines that need to resurface periodically for refueling, SSBNs are powered by small nuclear reactors, allowing them to operate continuously for long durations.
Enhancing Deterrence
India’s nuclear strategy is based on a “No First Use” policy, meaning it will not be the first to strike with nuclear weapons. However, maintaining this policy requires a credible deterrent capability. In the event of a nuclear strike that disables India’s land or air-based nuclear assets, SSBNs provide a second-strike capability, ensuring that India can retaliate. The INS Aridhaman and INS Arihant operate underwater, making them less vulnerable to attacks and allowing them to carry nuclear missiles with ranges exceeding 3,500 kilometers. This capability not only enhances India’s deterrence but also extends its nuclear reach far beyond its borders.
The Growing Chinese Naval Threat
While India is strengthening its submarine fleet, China remains ahead in terms of sheer numbers. The People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) is the largest naval force in the world, with more than 70 submarines as of 2020. In comparison, the Indian Navy operates fewer than 20 submarines. To close this gap, India plans to acquire 24 new submarines by 2030, including 18 conventional and six nuclear-powered vessels. The Indian Navy also aims to expand its SSBN fleet to four submarines in the near future, which would make India the only non-permanent member of the UN Security Council to operate at such a scale.
Strategic Deployment and Future Plans
India’s new fleet of submarines will be strategically deployed around its immediate maritime borders, including the Bay of Bengal, the Andaman Sea, and the northern Indian Ocean. These regions are critical not only for India but also for China, as several key trade routes pass through these waters. By bolstering its naval capabilities, India aims to counterbalance China’s growing presence and assert its dominance in the region.
However, for India’s deterrence strategy to be effective, it will need to move quickly and scale up its naval assets. Timely induction of new submarines and maintaining a robust maritime presence will be essential in keeping Chinese naval activities in check and securing India’s strategic interests in the Indian Ocean.
