Sansad TV: Pokhran II & India’s Rise | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

Introduction

• On May 11, 1998, India conducted five atomic tests, marking its entry into the group of nations with nuclear capabilities, achieving self-reliance in developing nuclear weapons. This event, known as Pokhran II tests, took place in Rajasthan.
• Under the code name Operation Shakti, India detonated one fusion and two fission bombs at 3.45 pm on May 11. These tests were significant, following the 1974 single nuclear test in Pokhran.
• After the tests, then-Prime Minister Vajpayee declared India as a Nuclear Weapon State, emphasizing the country's independent stance in this realm.

Timeline of India's Nuclear Development

• Efforts towards building a nuclear bomb and related infrastructure began post-World War II.
• In 1944, nuclear physicist Homi Bhabha pushed for harnessing nuclear energy.
• Key establishments like the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research and BARC contributed to nuclear research in the 1940s and 1950s.
• India's nuclear program intensified post the Sino-India war in 1962, culminating in the 1974 nuclear test, termed 'Smiling Buddha'.

Response of World Powers

• The Pokhran II tests were met with shock globally due to their secretive nature, straining India-U.S. relations significantly.
• The U.S., along with China and the UK, criticized India's actions, leading to the imposition of sanctions. In contrast, Russia and France did not support punitive measures.
• India's decision to pursue nuclear weapons was influenced by the need to counter regional threats and ensure stability against nuclear-armed neighbors.

India as a Responsible Power

• India strategically leveraged its nuclear capabilities to secure diplomatic legitimacy and advance its interests in nuclear energy.
• By refraining from signing certain nuclear agreements, India maintained a sovereign stance over its nuclear assets, ensuring strategic autonomy.
• The country adopted a no-first-use policy concerning nuclear weapons, emphasizing its commitment to disarmament and responsible nuclear behavior.

Conclusion

• The Pokhran II tests positioned India as a responsible nuclear power, enabling it to assert its stance on the global stage and uphold international norms.
• India's diplomatic maneuvers post-Pokhran II facilitated civil nuclear deals and membership in key multilateral export control regimes, enhancing its global nuclear standing.
• India's approach post-Pokhran II exemplifies responsible nuclear behavior amidst evolving international dynamics.