PM Manmohan Singh launched India’s indigenously-built nuclear-powered submarine 'INS Arihant' during the week. The 6000-tonne submarine will first be put on sea trials for two years before being commissioned into full service. With this launch, India has joined the exclusive club of countries like the US, Russia, China, France and the UK with similar capabilities. Reports noted that the launch of the submarine is a vital component of India’s nuclear triad as New Delhi has already declared a ‘no first use’ doctrine1.

• 1. “PM launches INS Arihant in Visakhapatnam,” July 26, 2009, at http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/NEWS/City/Hyderabad/PM-launches-INS-A...