USClaims India’s Nuclear Submarines Counter China Experts See Provocation

India’s Nuclear Submarine Ambitions: A Move to Counter China or a Self-Proclaimed Big Power Status?

New Delhi, India -India’s ambitions to bolster its nuclear capabilities have taken a significant step forward with the approval of a plan to build two new nuclear-powered attack submarines. Themove, announced by India’s Cabinet Committee on Security on October 9th, has been widely interpreted as a countermeasure to China’s growing military presence in theIndo-Pacific region. However, experts caution that this narrative may be overly simplistic and overlooks India’s own aspirations for regional dominance.

The two submarines, part of a planned six-ship program, will be the first to be entirely builtin India. While the exact delivery date remains unspecified, the acquisition of this advanced technology is expected to significantly enhance India’s ability to monitor and patrol its vast maritime territory.

Nuclear-powered attack submarines, with their superior speed,stealth, and endurance compared to conventional diesel-electric submarines, are considered among the most potent naval weapons. Only a handful of countries, including China, France, Russia, and the United States, currently possess the capability to manufacture such sophisticated vessels.

The Indian government has also approved the purchase of 31 MQ-9BReaper drones from General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. These long-range drones, capable of sustained flight for up to 48 hours and carrying a payload of 1,700 kilograms, will further augment India’s surveillance and strike capabilities.

While the Indian government has framed these acquisitions as necessary steps to counter China’s growing influence in the Indian Ocean region, experts remain skeptical. Professor Zhang Jiadong, Director of the South Asia Research Center at Fudan University, argues that India’s strategic nuclear force is not primarily directed against China. He believes that the narrative of India’s nuclear submarine program being a response to Chinais being pushed by the US media to create a wedge between the two Asian giants.

India sees itself as a major power and believes that pursuing nuclear deterrence is necessary to maintain its ‘big power’ status, Professor Zhang explained. The construction of nuclear submarines is an attempt to address the shortcomings in its nuclear deterrentsystem.

India’s domestic shipbuilding capabilities have historically been limited, and the country has relied heavily on foreign assistance for its submarine program. While India has made progress in recent years, achieving complete self-reliance in nuclear submarine technology remains a significant challenge.

India faces significant hurdles in developing the core components and technologiesrequired for nuclear submarines, Professor Zhang noted. While it can gradually increase the proportion of domestically produced components, achieving complete indigenization will take time.

The Indian government’s emphasis on domestic production is evident in its decision to build the new submarines entirely within India. However, the success of this ambitious project hinges onIndia’s ability to overcome its technological limitations and secure the necessary expertise.

The acquisition of nuclear submarines and advanced drones by India is a clear indication of its growing military ambitions. While the official narrative focuses on countering China’s influence, the underlying motivation may be a desire to assert India’s own regional dominance. The future trajectory of India’s nuclear program and its impact on regional security remain to be seen.

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