India has officially inducted its third nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine, INS Aridaman, significantly bolstering its sea-based nuclear deterrence capabilities. With this induction, India can now operate three ballistic missile submarines simultaneously, marking a historic milestone in its naval power. The 7,000-tonne INS Aridaman is designed to carry a greater number of long-range nuclear-tipped missiles compared to its predecessors, INS Arihant and INS Arighaat, which were commissioned in 2016 and 2024, respectively. This submarine enhances India's nuclear triad, which allows for nuclear missile launches from land, air, and sea platforms, placing India among a select group of countries with such capabilities. INS Aridaman features eight vertical launching system tubes, enabling it to carry more K-15 and K-4 submarine-launched ballistic missiles, with ranges exceeding 700 km and 3,500 km, respectively. The advanced reactor technology on board ensures prolonged submerged operations. Looking ahead, India is also pursuing a nuclear-powered attack submarine program and plans to build two submarines while leasing another from Russia. The Indian Navy currently operates 16 conventional submarines and aims to expand its fleet to meet operational requirements.