India's Nuclear Tests at Pokhran A Defining Moment in History

1. ARTICLE
India's Nuclear Tests at Pokhran A
Defining Moment in History
 BY MOHIT-KUMAR-SHARMA
 FEB 27, 2023 15:37


2. Pokhran is a small town in the Indian state of Rajasthan, known for being the site
of India's nuclear tests in 1974 and 1998. The tests put Pokhran on the world map
and transformed it from an obscure town to a place of historical significance. This
article will provide a brief overview of the events leading up to the nuclear tests, the
tests themselves, and their impact on India and the world.
Background
India's quest for nuclear technology can be traced back to the early years of its
independence in 1947. The country's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru,
believed that nuclear technology could help India's development and energy needs.
However, India's attempts to acquire nuclear technology were met with stiff
opposition from other countries, particularly the United States, which wanted to
prevent the spread of nuclear weapons.
In the 1960s, India began its nuclear program in earnest, with the establishment of
the Atomic Energy Commission. However, India did not possess the necessary
technology to create a nuclear bomb, and it was not until the 1970s that India began
to make significant progress in this regard.
The 1974 Test
On May 18, 1974, India conducted its first nuclear test, codenamed "Smiling
Buddha," at the Pokhran Test Range. The test was conducted underground and
was successful, with the yield estimated to be around 8-12 kilotons. India declared
that the test was a peaceful nuclear explosion, intended for scientific and industrial
purposes.
The test caused a worldwide outcry, with the United States, Canada, and other
countries imposing economic sanctions on India. The Non-Proliferation Treaty, which
had been signed by most countries, was designed to prevent the spread of nuclear
weapons. India, which had not signed the treaty, was accused of undermining its
objectives.
The 1998 Tests
India continued to develop its nuclear program in the following years, with the aim of
achieving nuclear weapons capability. On May 11 and 13, 1998, India conducted a
series of nuclear tests at the Pokhran Test Range. The tests,

3. codenamed "Operation Shakti," involved five nuclear devices, including a
thermonuclear device. The yield of the tests ranged from 0.2 to 45 kilotons.
The tests were a major milestone for India, as they demonstrated its nuclear
weapons capability and its resolve to maintain its strategic autonomy. However, they
also drew international condemnation, with many countries imposing economic
sanctions on India.
Impact of the Tests
The nuclear tests at Pokhran had a significant impact on India's domestic and foreign
policies. They were seen as a symbol of India's emergence as a major power and a
challenge to the existing world order. They also had a unifying effect on the Indian
people, with many seeing the tests as a source of national pride.
The tests had a mixed impact on India's foreign relations. While they drew
condemnation from many countries, they also led to a closer relationship between
India and some countries, particularly Russia, which had long-standing ties with
India's nuclear program.
The tests also had a wider impact on the global nuclear order, with some experts
suggesting that they marked the beginning of a new nuclear arms race. The tests led
to a renewed focus on nuclear disarmament and the need for international
cooperation to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons.
Conclusion
The nuclear tests at Pokhran were a defining moment in India's history, marking its
emergence as a nuclear power and its determination to maintain its strategic
autonomy. While they drew international condemnation, they also had a unifying
effect on the Indian people and cemented India's position as a major power. The
tests also had wider implications for the global nuclear order, highlighting the need
for nuclear disarmament
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TAGS: POKHRAN INDIA'S NUCLEAR TESTS SMILING BUDDHA OPERATION SHAKTI GLOBAL
NUCLEAR ORDER STRATEGIC AUTONOMY NATIONAL PRIDE ARMS RAC