North Korean leader Kim Jong Un recently inspected the near-completion of an 8,700-ton nuclear-powered submarine, showcasing significant advancements in the nation’s naval capabilities, as reported by KCNA. This development is seen as a vital enhancement of North Korea’s nuclear deterrent amid escalating regional tensions, particularly with South Korea and the United States. India’s defense analysts express concern over the implications of Pyongyang’s military modernization and its ties with adversarial nations, which could destabilize the security dynamics in the Indo-Pacific region. The strategic advancements in submarine-launched ballistic missile technology pose potential risks to India’s maritime interests and necessitate vigilant monitoring to maintain regional stability.