SOURCE: AFI
Abdul Basit, a former Pakistani diplomat who served as the High Commissioner of Pakistan to India, has called for the Pakistan Navy to include nuclear-powered submarines in its fleet. Speaking to ABN News, Basit emphasized the strategic necessity of such acquisitions, particularly in the context of India’s growing capabilities, including its successful test of the K-4 submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) from the nuclear-powered submarine INS Arihant, which completes India’s nuclear triad.
Basit underscored the importance of establishing parity with India’s naval and nuclear capabilities, suggesting that the Pakistan Navy’s current fleet lacks the deterrence power necessary to counterbalance India’s advancements. He argued that the induction of nuclear-powered submarines would not only strengthen Pakistan’s naval posture but also enhance its second-strike capability, which is a critical component of maintaining strategic stability in the region.
In his remarks, Basit also acknowledged ongoing efforts by the Pakistan Navy to integrate nuclear weapons capabilities into its conventional submarines. While this approach differs from India’s reliance on dedicated nuclear-powered platforms, it signals Pakistan’s intent to bolster its deterrent capability in the maritime domain.
India’s Arihant-class submarines, equipped with SLBMs like the K-4, have significantly enhanced its ability to project power and maintain credible second-strike capabilities. This development has prompted regional security concerns and calls within Pakistan for similar advancements. However, developing nuclear-powered submarines presents significant technological, financial, and diplomatic challenges for Pakistan.
Basit’s comments reflect a broader narrative within Pakistan’s defense establishment, which views India’s military modernization as a pressing threat requiring countermeasures. Yet, experts have raised concerns over the feasibility of Pakistan achieving nuclear-powered submarine capabilities in the short to medium term, given the substantial resources and expertise required.