Indian nuclear sub makes maiden patrol

India's first strategic strike ballistic missile submarine (SSBNs) has completed its maiden deterrence patrol, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said today.

The achievement that establishes India's survivable nuclear triad "gives a befitting response to those who indulge in nuclear blackmail," Modi said.

"Nuclear submarine INS Arihant successfully completed first deterrence patrol," Modi tweeted, terming it as a "major achievement," reports our New Delhi correspondent.

India's nuclear triad will be an important pillar of global peace and stability, Modi added.

Modi, who received the crew of NS Arihant, which recently returned from its first patrol, said that "in an era such as this, a credible nuclear deterrence is the need of the hour."

He said the success of INS Arihant enhances India's security needs. It is a major achievement for our entire nation."

Arihant will protect the 130 crore Indians from external threats and contribute to the atmosphere of peace in the region, Modi added.

The 6,000-tonne INS Arihant, which was under development for several years under a highly classified programme, comes under the direct control of the Nuclear Command Authority headed by the prime minister.

Modi said: "India is a land of peace. Values of togetherness are enshrined in our culture. Peace is our strength, not our weakness. Our nuclear programme must be seen with regard to India's efforts to further world peace and stability."

Modi said the indigenous development of the SSBN and its operationalisation attest to India's technological prowess.

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, he said.

Modi made it clear that India 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 Atal Bihari Vajpayee on January 2003.