Former Pakistani Diplomat Urges Acquisition of Nuclear Submarines to Counter India’s Expanding Nuclear Naval Fleet

Pakistan faces mounting pressure to bolster its naval capabilities as India's nuclear-equipped naval fleet continues to grow in size and sophistication. The urgency of this issue was underscored by Abdul Basit, a former Pakistani High Commissioner to India, who has called for Pakistan to acquire nuclear-powered submarines. In a recent interview, Basit emphasized that achieving maritime nuclear parity is vital for regional stability and national security.

India's Strategic Edge

India's nuclear-powered submarine program is a cornerstone of its naval modernization. The Arihant-class submarines, designed to carry submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs), have significantly enhanced India's second-strike capability—an essential deterrent in the nuclear equation. Recent tests of the K-4 SLBM, capable of striking targets up to 3,500 km away, have cemented India's position as a dominant naval power in the Indian Ocean.

These advancements have not gone unnoticed in Pakistan, where concerns about India’s growing ability to project power and sustain prolonged naval operations are escalating. The introduction of nuclear-powered submarines in India's arsenal allows for stealthier operations, longer underwater endurance, and a robust second-strike capability—factors that heavily tilt the strategic balance.

Pakistan’s Current Submarine Fleet

Pakistan currently operates diesel-electric submarines, which, while effective in certain tactical scenarios, lack the endurance and stealth of nuclear-powered vessels. Efforts are underway to arm conventional submarines with nuclear-capable missiles, but this approach is limited compared to India's dedicated platforms. The disparity poses a significant challenge to Pakistan's deterrence posture, particularly in an era of rapid technological advancements in naval warfare.

The Case for Nuclear Submarines

Basit argued that nuclear-powered submarines are not merely an aspirational goal but a strategic necessity. They could provide Pakistan with credible second-strike capability—a critical factor in maintaining deterrence stability. Nuclear-powered submarines can stay submerged for extended periods, offering both survivability and operational flexibility that diesel-electric submarines cannot match.

Acquiring such advanced platforms, however, is fraught with challenges. Pakistan would need to overcome significant technological barriers, secure substantial financial investment, and navigate complex geopolitical dynamics. Unlike India, which benefits from established partnerships with Russia and growing collaboration with the U.S. and France, Pakistan lacks comparable avenues for acquiring cutting-edge naval technology.

Technological and Financial Hurdles

Building or acquiring nuclear-powered submarines requires a high degree of industrial and technological infrastructure. Developing miniaturized nuclear reactors for submarines is a monumental task that demands expertise and years of research. Financially, such a project would require billions of dollars—an investment that could strain Pakistan’s already stretched defense budget.

Moreover, international scrutiny and non-proliferation concerns would likely complicate Pakistan’s efforts. Unlike India, which has successfully balanced its nuclear ambitions with strategic partnerships, Pakistan faces diplomatic isolation and stringent restrictions that could hinder its progress in this domain.

A Realistic Path Forward?

Basit's remarks highlight a broader concern within Pakistan’s strategic circles about India's growing naval dominance. However, many defense analysts question whether nuclear-powered submarines are a realistic solution for Pakistan in the short to medium term. Alternative approaches, such as enhancing conventional submarine capabilities, investing in underwater drone technology, or developing robust anti-submarine warfare systems, may offer more immediate and cost-effective options.

While the acquisition of nuclear-powered submarines remains an ambitious goal, it underscores Pakistan’s strategic concerns in the face of India’s naval modernization. Whether Pakistan can translate these ambitions into reality will depend on its ability to navigate the technological, financial, and diplomatic challenges that lie ahead.