Modi boasts of nuclear triad for second time in 3 months

Ajay Banerjee

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, January 28

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday spoke about the nuclear triad for the second time in three months, referring to India’s ability to launch nuclear missiles or weapons from land, air or under sea.

Speaking at a National Cadet Corps (NCC) event here, Modi said, “India has joined the select global group of countries that can launch nuclear attacks from water, land and air.” He went on to explain various facets of military modernisation to the young cadets, who are here as part of an annual NCC camp. 

On November 5 too, the PM had mentioned about the triad—whose command and control lies with him. 

While receiving the crew of INS Arihant, the first indigenous submarine, the PMO had tweeted: “The submarine recently returned from its first deterrence patrol, completing the establishment of the country’s survivable nuclear triad.”

Stressing on the significance of the successful deployment of INS Arihant for the completion of India’s nuclear triad, Modi had then said it put the country among a handful of countries having the capability to design, construct and operate ship submersible ballistic nuclear (SSBN) — the military name for nuclear missile carrying submarines.

The completion of a deterrence patrol by Arihant completed the nuclear triad. India already had the land-based ‘Agni’ series of nuclear-tipped missiles. Another version of N-tipped missiles can be fired from air using fighter jets.  At the NCC event, the PM said while India was a supporter of peace, it would not hesitate from taking any steps to ensure its national security.

PM is new india’s Dadhichi: Minister

• Union Minister Harsh Vardhan on Monday described PM Narendra Modi as ‘Dadhichi of modern India’
• Dadhichi is known for sacrificing his life so devas could make weapon vajra from his bones
• He said for the sake of the nation, the PM was ready to sacrifice his life too