India’s Nuclear Ambitions
– N K Tripathi
I had written earlier that there are nine nuclear powers. But only four of them – US, Russia, China, and India-have the capability of reliable delivery system of nuclear triad. The nuclear triad is a country’s ability to deliver nuclear weapons by three different systems – from Land, Air and Sea. Even if one system is destroyed, other survives and guarantees retaliation. This is the most secure and reliable nuclear deterrence. This prevents the enemies from launching a first strike. The nuclear power is not for fighting wars, but for preventing them by sheer deterrence.
While US and Russia are real global powers, China is about to become. India is a regional power but very likely to achieve global status shortly. Although we have a stockpile of 180 nuclear warheads, similar to Pakistan, we have far more reliable delivery systems than it.
At present for the delivery of nuclear weapons from the land, India relies on Agni V missiles. They have reliable range of over 5000 km bringing most of China and Asia in its range. India has all technical expertise and infrastructure to develop Agni VI, with range of 8000km to 10,000km, bringing some parts of the western US in its reach. But land missiles are very vulnerable to the first attack.
In the sky Indian fighter aircrafts are capable of dropping nuclear bombs by gravity or launching BrahMos missiles. But the aircraft’s’ penetration is limited within 3000 km. BrahMos missiles in the fighter aircraft can further go only 300 to 500 km.
The most reliable deterrence is under the sea. Nuclear powered Submarines can launch nuclear missiles from under the water. They are hidden and hard to be detected. They can also travel nearer the target, maximising the range. Therefore, submarines ensure guaranteed second-strike capability. India has submarines INS Arihant (2016), INS Arighaat (2024) and recently commissioned INS Aridhaman. INS Aridhaman can carry K4 missiles of 3,500 km range. India will develop bigger nuclear powered submarines, which will be capable of carrying future K6 missiles with range of 8000–10,000 km.
India can reasonably build in next 10 to 15 years bigger nuclear submarines and longer range missiles with multi warheads (MIRV). India already has long-range guidance system and solid rocket motors required for this. If we create a reliable Nuclear Triad in a decade or so, with integrated technology and air power, we can claim to be a global power.
( Hedar photo: AI generated, showing three way Nuclear Triad of India)
