On Friday, India officially inducted INS Aridhaman, its third nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN), into the Indian Navy during a ceremony in Visakhapatnam. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh highlighted its significance, stating that it represents power. The 7,000-tonne submarine is designed to enhance India's sea-based nuclear deterrent capabilities and is equipped with advanced technology that allows it to carry either eight K-4 nuclear-capable missiles or up to 24 K-15 submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs). This induction marks a milestone as India now has three operational SSBNs, including INS Arihant and INS Arighaat, which were commissioned in 2016 and 2024, respectively. The submarine is a critical component of India's nuclear triad, ensuring a reliable second-strike capability in the event of a nuclear attack. India joins an elite group of nations with such capabilities, alongside the US, Russia, China, and France. The Navy is also working on its fourth SSBN, S4*, which will further bolster its deterrent capabilities. Additionally, India is pursuing a nuclear-powered attack submarine program to enhance its naval strength further.