INS Arihant will protect the 130 crore Indians from external threats and contribute to the atmosphere of peace in the region, Modi said. (Narendra Modi/Twitter) INS Arihant will protect the 130 crore Indians from external threats and contribute to the atmosphere of peace in the region, Modi said. (Narendra Modi/Twitter)

India’s first indigenous nuclear submarine INS Arihant Monday returned from its first deterrence patrol, successfully completing the establishment of the country’s survivable nuclear triad. The crew of the Strategic Strike Nuclear Submarine (SSBN) were felicitated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who lauded the accomplishment calling it “historic” and a “fitting response to those who indulge in nuclear blackmail.”

Congratulating the crew, Modi said “Today is historic because it marks the completing of the successful establishment of the nuclear triad. India’s nuclear triad will be an important pillar of global peace and stability,” he said, adding that “our nuclear programme must be seen with regard to India’s efforts to further world peace and stability.”

Dhanteras gets even more special! India’s pride, nuclear submarine INS Arihant successfully completed its first deterrence patrol! I congratulate all those involved, especially the crew of INS Arihant for this accomplishment, which will always be remembered in our history. pic.twitter.com/tjeOj2cBdX — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 5, 2018

“True to its name, INS Arihant will protect the 130 crore Indians from external threats and contribute to the atmosphere of peace in the region,” Modi said. INS Arihant or “destroyer of enemies” was launched in July 2009 at Ship Building Centre, Visakhapatnam in presence of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. India is the only country apart from Russia, China, France, UK, US to develop and operate a nuclear submarine.

READ | All you need to know about INS Arihant

The success of INS Arihant enhances India’s security needs, the Prime Minister said, emphasising 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

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Unlike conventional diesel electric submarines, which have to surface to recharge their batteries, nuclear submarines can remain under water for longer duration, thus boosting its stealth capabilities. The ballistic missile submarine comes under the control of Nuclear Command Authority headed by the Prime Minister.

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