India commissions second nuclear-powered submarine in naval arsenal

India on Thursday commissioned its second nuclear-powered submarine, according to the Defence Ministry.

A statement by the ministry said Arihant-Class submarine Arighaat was commissioned into the Indian Navy on Thursday in the presence of Minister of Defence Rajnath Singh.

Singh, the statement said, in his address said Arighaat (destroyer of the enemy) will further “strengthen India’s nuclear triad, enhance nuclear deterrence, help in establishing strategic balance and peace in the region, and play a decisive role in the security of the country.”

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According to the Defence Ministry, the construction of Arighaat involved the use of advanced design and manufacturing technology, detailed research and development, utilization of special materials, complex engineering and highly skilled workmanship.

The first version of the submarine was launched in 2016.

“The technological advancements undertaken indigenously on this submarine make it significantly more advanced than its predecessor Arihant,” the ministry noted.