Fitting response to nuke blackmail, says PM on INS Arihant’s first deterrence patrol

In a series of tweets that included a photograph of the submarine, PM Modi said the first deterrence patrol marks the successful establishment of India’s nuclear triad that gives India the capability to launch nukes from land, air and sea.

"I congratulate all those involved, especially the crew of INS Arihant for this accomplishment, which will always be remembered in our history," PM Modi said.

The 6,000-tonne INS Arihant, under development for three decades under a highly classified programme, comes under the direct control of the Nuclear Command Authority headed by PM Modi. Having successfully completed the "deterrence patrol", the INS Arihant can now be considered a fully functional underwater ballistic missile delivery platform.

“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,” PM Modi tweeted.

“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,” he added, describing the successful completion of the patrol from Visakhapatnam, where it has based, as 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,” he tweeted.

"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."

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.

India has achieved completion of her nuclear triad with the first successful deterrence patrol by INS Arihant. This places India in the league of the few countries that can design, construct and operate Strategic Strike Nuclear Submarines (SSBN).

- Nirmala Sitharaman (@nsitharaman) November 5, 2018

"Congratulations to brave Indian sailors on INS Arihant for successfully completing its first deterrence patrol marking the successful realisation of the nuclear triad. This is a momentous occasion for India and will go a long way in safeguarding our strategic and security interests," Rajnath Singh said.