ISAS Insights

The launch of India’s indigenous nuclear-powered submarine on 26 July 2009 marks a major breakthrough in the nation’s efforts to build a nuclear navy and close the gap with China’s growing underwater deterrent capability. New Delhi, like Beijing, had to struggle for decades to advance on its maritime nuclear project, involving the technologies of nuclear propulsion, underwater launch of ballistic missiles and the art of operating nuclear submarines. Although China is well ahead of India in the deployment of a credible sea-based deterrent, the time has come for Beijing and New Delhi to start a substantive dialogue on nuclear and maritime confidence building measures.