A Russian-built nuclear-powered submarine was formally commissioned into the Indian Navy Wednesday at a ceremony held at the southern port of Vishakhapattanam.
The 8,140-ton Akula II submarine, previously named K-152 Nerpa, has been renamed INS Chakra II by India. It is expected to serve in the navy for a period of 10 years, DPA reported.
The vessel is capable of carrying atomic weapons but will only carry cruise missiles with conventional warheads to comply with non-proliferation treaties.
The INS Chakra II was handed over to the Indian Navy at the Russian port of Vladivostok in January.
Defence Minister AK Antony, after commissioning the submarine, said it was expected to play a crucial role in protecting India's maritime interests.
"It is not aimed at any country. It is to strengthen the Indian Navy to meet any threat to national security effectively," Antony said at a press briefing after the event.