Beneath the Waves: Regional Strategic Implications of India's Nuclear Submarines

India's recent launch of its second nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN), theINS Arighaat, marks a significant milestone in its pursuit of a complete nuclear triad—a defining feature of great power status. However, this achievement raises critical concerns about the riskof unauthorized or accidental nuclear use and may accelerate shifts in the regional balance of power.Pakistan perceives these submarines as a destabilizing threat and is reportedly taking steps to enhance its own nuclear deterrence to counteract India's advancements. To prevent escalating tensions and averting an arms race in the region, India's SSBN program must be accompanied by robust measures to maintain strategic stability.