On Thursday, India commissioned its second nuclear submarine, INS Arighaat, into the Navy. The 6,000-tonne submarine will join its predecessor, INS Arihant, and bolster India's nuclear triad capabilities. This development further strengthens India's deterrence capabilities and its "No first-use" policy, with a nuclear-powered submarine serving as a strong deterrent to potential hostile nations. The construction of INS Arighaat involved advanced technology and materials, with indigenous systems and equipment developed by Indian scientists, industry, and naval personnel.
India Strengthens Its Maritime Prowess with Commissioning of INS Arighaat and INS Talwar
India's maritime capabilities have received significant boosts with the commissioning of INS Arighaat, its second nuclear submarine, and the deployment of INS Talwar, a Talwar-class frigate, to Kenya. These developments underscore India's commitment to enhancing its defense preparedness and fostering strategic partnerships in the Indian Ocean region.
INS Arighaat: A Force Multiplier for India's Nuclear Triad
INS Arighaat, a 6,000-tonne nuclear submarine, joined the Indian Navy on Thursday. It is the second submarine in India's Arihant-class, following INS Arihant, which was commissioned in 2016. The submarine features advanced technology and indigenous systems, making it a potent addition to India's nuclear triad, alongside its land-based nuclear missiles and nuclear-capable aircraft.
INS Arighaat's capabilities enhance India's deterrence capabilities and complement its "No first-use" policy. It provides a credible strategic asset that can be used to counter potential threats from hostile nations. The submarine's nuclear propulsion system allows for extended endurance and stealth, enabling it to remain submerged for longer periods, making it difficult to detect and target.
INS Talwar: Strengthening India-Kenya Maritime Cooperation
INS Talwar, a Talwar-class frigate, has been deployed to Mombasa, Kenya, as part of the Indian Navy's ongoing cooperative activities in the region. The frigate will participate in joint exercises and engage with the Kenyan Navy, fostering closer ties and maritime cooperation between the two countries.
INS Talwar is a multi-role combat platform capable of carrying out various missions, including anti-air warfare, anti-surface warfare, and intelligence gathering. Its deployment to Kenya demonstrates India's commitment to maintaining a presence in the Indian Ocean and strengthening its relationships with regional partners.
Top 5 FAQs Related to INS Arighaat and INS Talwar
INS Arighaat bolster's India's nuclear triad and provides a strong deterrent against potential threats.
INS Talwar is a multi-role combat platform capable of carrying out anti-air warfare, anti-surface warfare, and intelligence gathering.
To strengthen maritime cooperation with Kenya and maintain a presence in the Indian Ocean.
While both are Arihant-class nuclear submarines, INS Arighaat is reportedly more advanced and features improved stealth capabilities.
India adheres to a "No first-use" policy, meaning it will not initiate the use of nuclear weapons unless attacked with nuclear weapons first.
Iran's foreign minister has announced that a prisoner swap deal with France is close to being finalized. The agreement would secure the release of Iranian nationals imprisoned in France and allow for the return of French citizens detained in Iran. This development comes as Germany announces its support for a French-led effort to establish a two-state solution in the Middle East.
Qatar's prime minister has accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of destroying months of mediation efforts to secure a ceasefire deal and free remaining hostages in Gaza. With the lives of 20 hostages at risk, Qatar had been working with the US and Egypt to broker a deal, but Tuesday's attack on Hamas' leadership in Doha has killed any hope for a resolution. Despite Trump's promises that such an attack will not be repeated, Netanyahu continues to threaten Qatar, accusing them of harboring terrorists and vowing to take action if they don't comply.
In a shocking development, Israel has launched an attack on Hamas leaders in the Qatari capital, Doha, resulting in the deaths of six people. The Qatari government has condemned the attack as "state terrorism" and has raised questions about Israel's true intentions in the region. The attack ruptures the delicate ceasefire negotiations in Gaza, where Qatar has been acting as a mediator. This latest incident highlights the increasing involvement of Qatar in the volatile conflicts in the Middle East.
Israel's strikes on Yemen's capital come amidst warnings from their defence minister and public disapproval from Donald Trump following their attack on Doha. As the Middle East watches the tense situation unfold, Qatar struggles to recover from the unprecedented assault on their sovereign territory. A senior Qatari government member expresses anger and concern over the US's delayed warning of the attack, further complicating the already tense relations in the region.
Amid ongoing protests and the resignation of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, Nepal has appointed former Chief Justice Sushila Karki as the country's interim head. The death toll in the protests has risen to 25, with hundreds more injured. As the Nepali Army takes over security responsibilities, flights have resumed at the international airport and authorities are cautioning against the spread of misinformation on social media.
After two days of violent protests, Nepal Army Chief General Ashok Raj Sigdel successfully persuaded former Chief Justice Sushila Karki to become the interim Chief Executive of the country. This comes after the Gen Z protests and other groups reached a consensus with political parties to restore normalcy and form an interim government. The Nepal Army, for the first time, has stepped in to quell the chaos and bring diverse political forces together for dialogue.
Days of deadly protests in Nepal have led to the overthrow of KP Sharma Oli's government and the appointment of Sushila Karki as interim prime minister. Karki, the former chief justice, has expressed positivity towards India and its people, citing personal ties from her time studying in India. She assures the safety of Indians in Nepal and promises justice for those affected by the recent violence. Meanwhile, Nepalese troops are working to restore order and bring the country back to normalcy.
In a fiery speech at the 60th Session of the UN Human Rights Council, Indian diplomat Kshitij Tyagi slammed Switzerland for its "shallow and ill-informed remarks" on India's state of press and minorities. Tyagi called on Switzerland, as the current chair of the UNHRC, to focus on tackling its own challenges such as racism and xenophobia instead of pointing fingers at India. He also delivered a sharp rebuttal to Pakistan, labelling it as a "failed state" addicted to propaganda and terror. India, Tyagi underscored, will continue to protect its citizens and defend its sovereignty with unwavering resolve.
Protests against corruption in Kathmandu, Nepal took a destructive turn as the iconic Hilton Hotel was set on fire, leaving behind a charred skeleton of its once grand glass facade. The protests also included attacks on government buildings and political leaders' residences, causing chaos throughout the city. The destruction of the Hilton Hotel is significant as it represents Nepal's aspirations for growth in the hospitality industry, with social media users expressing fear for the country's future.
Indian fruit traders have united to boycott Turkish goods, particularly apples, as a show of solidarity with their armed forces. The move comes after Turkey's open support for Pakistan in the ongoing regional tensions between India and its neighbor. The Swadeshi Jagran Manch, a prominent nationalist organization, has also joined the call for broader economic sanctions against Turkey, citing the country's military partnership with Pakistan as a threat to India's sovereignty. The organization also reminded Turkey of India's assistance during a devastating earthquake in 2023, calling for citizens to prioritize self-reliance and boycott Turkish products and cultural exports.