INS Arihant returns from first deterrence patrol, PM Modi says nuclear triad open challenge to India's enemies

Nov 5 (AZINS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said that the INS Arihant's first deterrence patrol, completing the establishment of the country's nuclear triad, is a fitting response to those indulging in nuclear blackmail.

Addressing the crew of INS Arihant, Modi said the success of INS Arihant is a big step towards strengthening national security.

"For the country's enemies, it is an open challenge," he said.

INS Arihant, a Strategic Strike Nuclear Submarine (SSBN), recently returned from its first deterrence patrol, completing the establishment of the country's survivable nuclear triad.

"It is a fitting response to those indulging in nuclear blackmail, credible nuclear deterrence is the need of the hour," Modi said.

Stressing the significance of the successful deployment of INS Arihant for the completion of India's nuclear triad, the Prime Minister congratulated the crew and all involved in the achievement which puts India among a handful of countries having the capability to design, construct and operate SSBNs.

The Prime Minister noted that the indigenous development of the SSBN and its operationalisation attest to the country's technological prowess and the synergy and coordination among all concerned.

"The Prime Minister commended the courage and commitment of India's brave soldiers and the talent and perseverance of its scientists, whose untiring efforts transformed the scientific achievement of nuclear tests into establishment of an immensely complex and credible nuclear triad, and dispelled all doubts and questions about India's capability and resolve in this regard,"  a government statement said.

The PM said that  the people of India aspire for a 'Shaktimaan Bharat' (Strong India) and building a New India.

He stressed that a strong India will fulfill the hopes and aspirations of over a billion Indians and will also be an important pillar for global peace and stability, especially in a world full of uncertainties and concerns, the statement said.

He also extended Diwali greetings to the crew of the submarine and expressed the hope that just as light dispels darkness and all fear, INS Arihant will be harbinger of fearlessness for the country.

"As a responsible nation, India has put in place a robust nuclear command and control structure, effective safety assurance architecture and strict political control, under its Nuclear Command Authority. It remains committed to the doctrine of Credible Minimum Deterrence and No First Use, as enshrined in the decision taken by the Cabinet Committee on Security in its meeting chaired by the then Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee on January 04, 2003," the statement released by the Prime Minister's Office said.