Conclusion – Pokhran Nuclear Test
The nuclear tests conducted in Pokhran helped India take a stand in International Politics. With huge difficulties, India managed to become the first country apart from the 5 permanent members of the UN Security Council (UNSC) to conduct a nuclear test. It declared that India is a responsible state in possession of nuclear powers with great nonproliferation records. It cleared the air by stating that India had no intention of manufacturing nuclear weapons but wanted to make India self-reliant in the field of nuclear technology. India successfully announced itself as a nuclear nation while facing intense worldwide criticism and pressure to enter the CTBT and give up its nuclear weapons. India has demonstrated to the world that it is a responsible country that has not misused nuclear power in the years following the nuclear tests.
Pokhran Nuclear Test
Pokhran Nuclear Test: The Pokhran Nuclear Test was conducted by the Indian Government twice. One was in 1974 and the other in 1998. It was done to strengthen India’s position in the international political arena. These tests declared India to be a nuclear power
The Pokhran Nuclear Tests hold great significance in India’s history as they evolved India’s security and International relations. It also caused a huge shift of power dynamics especially in South Asia.
In this article, we will look into the Pokhran Nuclear Test, including the background of India’s Nuclear Program, the 1974 Pokhran Test, and the Pokhran-II Test in 1988 in detail.
Table of Content
- What was the Pokhran Nuclear Test?
- Background of India’s Nuclear Program
- The 1974 Pokhran Nuclear Test: Smiling Buddha
- Pokhran-II Tests in 1998
What was the Pokhran Nuclear Test?
In 1974, India secretly detonated its first nuclear bomb, “Smiling Buddha,” at Pokhran, sparking international outcry but boosting national pride. In 1998, under “Operation Shakti,” India openly conducted five more tests, declaring itself a nuclear power despite further disapproval. These Pokhran blasts, while controversial, bolstered India’s security stance and scientific advancement, but reignited concerns about nuclear proliferation and ethical implications.