The successful launching of a nuclear-capable ballistic missile from an under-water platform off the Vishakapatnam coast marks a new capability India has achieved. Only four other countries — America, Russia, France and China — have mastered this technology. Work will now begin on integrating the missiles with the indigenously developed INS Arihant. The six-tonne missile has a range of 1,500 kms and uses the state-of-the-art technology to deliver the nuclear weapon. The integration process will mark the completion of what is called the nuclear triad. The country would thereby achieve the capability to launch nuclear-tipped missiles from land, air and sea-based platforms.
Defence experts consider the sea-based platforms as the most valuable because they are resistant to detection. Hence, their deterrent value is greater. Any country which aspires to have a credible deterrence regime would like to have nuclear weapons available on all three platforms. For the present, INS Arihant may be sufficient to meet the defence requirements of the country. That does not mean it will not have to address the future requirements, particularly because some countries have been spending enormous resources on strengthening their nuclear capabilities. It will have to find resources to build larger and swifter submarines that will be able to carry longer range missiles.
India has come a long way since a nuclear device was first tested in the Rajasthan deserts in the Seventies. It is a tribute to the scientists and technologists who have made the country a truly nuclear power. A significant aspect of the achievement is that it does not pose any threat to any country. India is the only country that has abjured use of nuclear weapons for offensive purposes. It thought of going nuclear only when some countries, which had not been on the best of terms with India in the past, clandestinely or otherwise began developing nuclear bombs. The need for self-defence necessitated developing nuclear weapons for deterrence effect. A nation with unimpeachable non-proliferation record, India had voluntarily given up the option of the first use of nuclear weapons.