New Delhi, 7 January (H.S.): India is building a new base 'INS Varsha' for the nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine fleet, whose construction will be completed within two years. India's naval expansion is in response to China's growing military presence in the Indian Ocean including the Bay of Bengal.

Along with this, the Indian Navy will also achieve the goal of becoming fully self-reliant by 2047. India's nuclear submarine program is moving fast to compete with the world's largest Chinese Navy. India is expected to have its first indigenous nuclear attack submarine by 2036.

This underground base is located near the coastal village of Rambilli in Andhra Pradesh, about 70 km from the Visakhapatnam Naval Base. This base will reshape naval power not only in the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean region, but also in the entire Indo-Pacific region. Although the exact cost of INS Varsha has not been disclosed, it is estimated that its cost could reach around US$3.75 billion. The base is designed to accommodate more than 12 nuclear-powered submarines, including Arihant-class and future S5-class ships.

INS Varsha will also play an important role in strengthening security cooperation with Quad countries partners United States, Japan and Australia. The base will serve as a hub for the Navy's current and future submarines to enhance Indian maritime capabilities.

India's first nuclear-powered attack submarines will transform the strategic capabilities of the Indian Navy. Apart from this, these submarines will play an important role in responding to the increasing maritime activities of China and Pakistan in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh Tripathi has confirmed that the country's first indigenous nuclear attack submarine is expected to be ready by 2036 and the second will be ready within two years. The estimated cost of this project of the first two submarines is ₹35,000 crore.

The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved the construction of two indigenous nuclear attack submarines in October last year, while the Indian Navy needs six such submarines.

Admiral Tripathi said that the Navy is on its way to becoming a strong force with 175 warships. India is in the final stages of negotiations to buy three additional Kalvari class submarines and Rafale M jets, for which purchase contracts are expected to be signed soon.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar