Navy Chief Admiral Nirmal Verma has said that the Indian Navy will soon have capabilities for a retaliatory nuclear strike and will give the country a "credible and invulnerable" nuclear deterrent.

Admiral Verma noted that the nuclear deterrent is necessary keeping in mind, the country's `no first use' policy on nuclear weapons. He is on a three day visit to London as part of a bilateral interaction between the Indian Navy and the UK's Royal Navy.

"A retaliatory strike capability that is credible and invulnerable is an imperative. The Navy is poised to complete the triad, and our maritime and nuclear doctrines would then be aligned to ensure that our nuclear insurance will come from the sea," he said.

Experts say that the Indian defense forces are looking to develop retaliatory strike capabilities through advanced weapon system. Some suggest that the country is already capable of launching a retaliatory strike capability from land and air.

The introduction of INS Arihant nuclear submarine will extend the capability to the sea. He pointed out that the induction programme of various vessels has been planned in such a way that the country will induct ships and submarines at an average rate of 5 platforms per year during the next five years if the yards keep the work in schedule.