Discuss the significance of the Arihant SLBM launch with regards to India’s nuclear deterrence capacity. Also comment on how the SLBM differs from its land-based counterpart.

India has recently launched a nuclear capable Submarine Launched Ballistic Missile (SLBM) from its first indigenous nuclear submarine INS Arihant.

SLBM:

• The launched missile belongs to the ‘K’ family of missiles, codenamed after Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, has been indigenously developed by DRDO.
• The missile is a K-15 SLBM with a range of 750 km.

Significance:

• The launch is of a great strategic significance for achieving a nuclear triad.
• It is crucial for nuclear deterrence, especially in the light of Chinese aggression in the Indian Ocean region and India’s Objective to establish itself as the net security provider in the IOR.
• By this launch, India has joined the premier league of nations. India is the sixth country other than the P5 nations that have this capability.
• It has strengthened India’s policy of ‘credible minimum deterrence’ and ‘no first use’. 
• It has increased the second strike capability of India.
• In the light of the Ukraine war, the dependence on Russia needs to be reduced. Thus, self-reliance is the key.

Difference from their land counterparts:

• These missiles are lighter, more compact and stealthier than their land counterparts, as they are launched from submarines.
• The Medium and intercontinental range nuclear capable Agni series ballistic missiles are their land counterparts.

In the present era, a credible nuclear deterrence is the need of the hour, given the distinctive security and strategic challenges for India.