Media: India boosts naval defence with new nuclear submarine base in Indo-Pacific

India has initiated the construction of a secret naval base designed for the deployment of nuclear submarines, marking a significant move to enhance its nuclear capabilities. This new base will be a crucial component of the country's military strategy.

According to reports by Army Recognition, India is taking a major step to expand its naval power in the Indo-Pacific region as part of its efforts to increase influence, per Caliber.Az.

The new base, set to open by 2026 in Rambilli, south of Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh, will serve as a central hub for nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs) and nuclear-powered attack submarines (SSNs).

The base is part of India’s strategy to strengthen its maritime deterrence, ensuring the survival of its nuclear arsenal and improving its ability to respond quickly to regional threats, particularly from China.

Equipped with highly secure infrastructure, the base will include underground parking facilities for submarines, tunnel networks, and ports designed for covert operations.

The strategic location also gives India access to critical maritime chokepoints, such as the Strait of Malacca, enabling a rapid response to any potential threats in the Indo-Pacific region.

India’s ongoing modernization of its naval forces includes the development of new nuclear-powered submarines, which will not only enhance the country’s defense capabilities but also support industrial growth in the region.

Alongside the construction of the INS Varsha base, India is also advancing plans for new nuclear-powered attack submarines, further solidifying its underwater deterrence strategy amid growing maritime competition.

By Tamilla Hasanova