And the answer was yes. Without SSBNs, a nuclear deterrent has no credibility unless you want to either move missiles periodically on trucks and trains or keep airplanes with nukes in the air 24/7. The problem is that SSBNs are extraordinarily expensive to build and maintain. And you have to build them quiet so that they aren't followed. Good luck to India on the endeavor. I just hope they have the security procedures in place to prevent this technology from leaking to Pakistan. The last thing the world needs is for Pakistan to have the technology to build a blue water sub that can deploy nuclear weapons around the world.
Umm,should the Pakis need nuke-capable subs,the Chicoms shall hand it over to them.Like they have always done by handing over nuke warhead designs,ballistic & cruise missiles.
Pakistan has built atleast 2 French Agosta-90B class subs under license,which can fire the French Exocet & US Harpoon(Pakistan signed up for 50 more).These are equipped with AIP modules to enhance endurance considerably,while still being far cheaper than an N-boat.The Pakis reportedly plan to modify those ships to fire their Babur/Hatf-7 cruise missiles-about as effective as a boomer by their standards & far more cost-effective.
About the Indian boat-firstly,this is just an article.Most resources on India’s sub based missile programme are not sure whether it will carry cruise or ballistic weapons-so we will have to wait & watch.