The Indian Navy has officially commissioned its second Arihant-class submarine, INS Arighaat, in a ceremony held on August 29, 2024, in Visakhapatnam. The event, graced by Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh, marked a significant milestone in bolstering India's maritime security and nuclear capabilities. Shri Rajnath Singh expressed confidence that INS Arighaat would enhance India’s nuclear triad and serve as a critical component of the country's nuclear deterrence strategy, helping to maintain regional stability and peace.

Shri Rajnath Singh praised the Indian Navy, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), and the Indian defence industry for their collaborative efforts in achieving this advanced capability. He highlighted the submarine’s commissioning as a reflection of the government's unwavering commitment to self-reliance in defence under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. He also noted the positive impact on India’s industrial sector, particularly for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), which have benefited from increased opportunities and employment through such defence projects.

He also recalled the contributions of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, whose leadership established India as a nuclear-armed state. Shri Rajnath Singh emphasized the importance of a strong military to support India's rapid development, particularly in the current global context. He reiterated the government’s dedication to providing the Indian armed forces with top-quality, indigenously made weapons and platforms.

INS Arighaat is a product of advanced indigenous design and manufacturing technologies, incorporating extensive research and development, specialized materials, and complex engineering. The submarine boasts state-of-the-art indigenous systems and equipment developed by Indian scientists, engineers, and naval personnel, making it significantly more advanced than its predecessor, INS Arihant.

With the addition of INS Arighaat, India enhances its ability to deter potential threats and protect its national interests, reinforcing its commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the region.