"Fitting response to those indulging in nuclear blackmail": PM Modi congratulates INS Arihant crew for completing first deterrence patrol
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday congratulated the crew of INS Arihant for returning from the vessel's first deterrence patrol, completing the establishment of the country's nuclear triad. "The success of INS Arihant is a big step towards strengthening national security. For the country's enemies, it is an open challenge," the prime minister told the crew.
He added that it was a fitting response to those indulging in nuclear blackmail. "Credible nuclear deterrence is the need of the hour," PM Modi said.
Developed in three decades under a highly classified programme, INS Arihant comes under the direct control of the Nuclear Command Authority headed by PM Modi. The ballistic missile submarine is a strategic asset as it can fire city-destroying missiles from anywhere in the ocean and remain undetected for a long time. It can sneak closer to the coast of an enemy nation and fire ballistic missiles deep into their territory, which otherwise cannot be reached by land-based short-range ballistic missiles.
Having successfully completed the "deterrence patrol", the INS Arihant can now be considered a fully functional underwater ballistic missile delivery platform.
The 6,000-tonne INS Arihant completes India's nuclear triad by adding maritime strike capability to land- and air-based delivery platforms. All the big five nuclear nations -- the US, Russia, France, China and the UK -- are already full-fledged nuclear triad powers. China reportedly began combat patrols of an armed nuclear-powered submarine in 2015.
Pakistan last year tested its submarine-launched Babur missile, and in the process completed its nuclear triad, since it already possesses land-based ballistic missiles as well as tactical nuclear bombs that it can drop from its fighter aircraft.
President Ram Nath Kovind, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Home Minister Rajnath Singh and other union ministers tweeted to congratulate the Navy and the country on the successful patrol of the INS Arihant.
"Congratulations to the Indian Navy and to our defence technologists on the completion of INS Arihant's first deterrence patrol. The successful mission of this indigenous nuclear sub is a landmark moment in our nation's security preparedness #PresidentKovind," the president's official Twitter handle said.
Here is the full text of PM Modi's address to INS Arihant crew:
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.
The success of INS Arihant enhances India’s security needs.
It is a major achievement for our entire nation.
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.
In an era such as this, a credible nuclear deterrence is the need of the hour.
The success of INS Arihant gives a fitting response to those who indulge in nuclear blackmail.
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.
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.
We are guided by this Mantra:
राष्ट्र रक्षा समं पुण्यं,
राष्ट्र रक्षा समं व्रतम्,
राष्ट्र रक्षा समं यज्ञो,
दृष्टो नैव च नैव च।।
We will do everything for our beloved nation and for the wellbeing of 130 crore Indians.
Vande Mataram!
Jai Hind!
