INDIA’S SUBMARINE FORCE MODERNIZATION AND ITS ROLE IN STRATEGIC DETERRENCE

Abstract

The emergence of competition among 21st-century maritime powers has transformed the underwater region into an important region of deterrence and strategic influence. In the case of India, the modernisation of its submarine forces is not only related to enhancing the naval power but also the construction of a credible deterrent like diesel-electric attack submarines (SSKs) and the enhancement of the second-strike capabilities, which are critical to national security. This research paper examines the development of the submarine modernisation force of India, taking the Arihant-class nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs), the conventional classes of Kalvari and project 75I, and analyses the limitations in its operation, keeping in perspective the competition in the region by China and Pakistan[i]. It examines how this program can support India's deterrence strategy, with consideration of survivability, strategic stability, and power politics in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). The research argues through qualitative methods, such as defence white papers, doctrinal study and recent strategic reports, that India is strengthening its maritime deterrence capability through the induction of Scorpene-class conventional attack submarines and Arihant-class nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines. While Indian submarine modernisation has contributed to a more effective maritime deterrent strategy, issues related to persistent delays in indigenous propulsion technology and lack of operational redundancy during strategic maritime deployments have hindered this effort. Policies are recommended to increase AIP, which has been proven in the sea, to focus on the sustainability of SSBNs and patrolling, enhance industrial propulsions, and create regional confidence-building strategies to minimise crisis instability. The research paper ends with one argument that a strong and locally made submarine power is important in order to maintain India's strategic autonomy and significantly prevent regional aggression.