In a move that will ensure tremendous strategic reach, the nuclear-powered submarine INS Chakra, leased from Russia for 10 years, was inducted into the Indian Navy at Visakhapatnam on Wednesday. The Ship Submersible Nuclear-powered (SSN) Akula-II class submarine, originally the K-152 Nerpa, was inducted in the presence of defence minister A.K. Antony who promptly announced that the aircraft carrier Admiral Gorshkov from Russia would reach India by December and be inducted early next year.
But the minister made it clear that the inductions were not aimed at China or any other country but were only meant to ensure national security. He said India did not believe in an arms race and that the country is peace-loving. The minister declared that over the next five years, five ships will be inducted every year into the Navy to ensure modernisation. “The Navy Chief is a very lucky man. Similarly, we are strengthening the Army and the Air Force as well,” he said, in the wake of a recent controversy over shortfall in equipment in the Army. He revealed that a decision had been taken to ask for more money for capital expenditure for the armed forces, from the finance ministry.
In the presence of the Russian ambassador, the minister told Russia that the promised deadlines have to be met. Mr Antony also announced that the Indian Navy would receive seven ships this year from various shipyards.