Why in News? 

India is getting ready to start using INS Varsha, a special naval base for nuclear-powered submarines, by 2026. This base is being built near Rambilli village on the eastern coast of Andhra Pradesh, close to Visakhapatnam. 

What is INS Varsha? 

• INS Varsha is a high-security naval base made especially for nuclear submarines—both those that carry missiles (SSBNs) and those made for attack missions (SSNs). 
• It is part of Project Varsha, a long-term plan to strengthen India’s submarine power and improve its sea-based nuclear defense. 
• The base will cover 20 square kilometers and can hold at least 10 nuclear submarines. 
• It includes underground tunnels and pens to keep submarines hidden and allow them to move secretly in and out of the Bay of Bengal. 

Importance of INS Varsha  

• Being close to the Eastern Naval Command (about 50 km away), it provides easy access for operations. 
• The deep waters near Rambilli help submarines avoid satellite detection, just like China’s base at Hainan Island. 
• This stealth is especially important for SSBNs, which carry nuclear missiles and need to stay hidden during long sea patrols.