India Joins the Nuclear Submarine Fraternity

India is slowly growing its nuclear capabilities on the water.

The INS Chakra is the first of five such nuclear-powered submarines India reportedly plans under its Advanced Technology Vessel program to complete its triad of air, land and sea-based nuclear weapons systems.

For 20 years they have been developing their own Nuclear Submarine. Having finally completed building this new nuclear sub, they are now beginning to strengthen their ability to defend their waterways. This is probably in response to China's growing nuclear navy. China has 8 nuclear submarines finished so, India is playing catchup. India is soon to receive a refurbished Soviet Aircraft carrier, that is 30 years old, and a nuclear submarine, which they are leasing.

The 7,700-ton INS Chakra will undergo sea trials for several months after entering the waters of the Bay of Bengal from the Vishakhapatnam port in southeastern Andhra Pradesh state. It is designed to carry intermediate-range submarine-launched missiles that have already been tested on the eastern coast. .. lakotahope
(http://www.spacewar.com/reports/Indias_nuclear-powered_submarine_ready_999.html)