How India become nuclear power? The Pokharan story

India had become the nuclear power in 1998. This event is one of the successes which were achieved after Independence of India.

India conducted a series of nuclear tests, code-named “Pokhran II,” in May 1998, which marked the official declaration of India as a nuclear weapon state. These tests were a significant development in India’s nuclear program and signaled the country’s nuclear deterrence capabilities to the world.

The Pokhran II nuclear tests were carried out between May 9 and May 11, 1998, in the Pokhran desert in the state of Rajasthan, India. The series consisted of five nuclear explosions, including a thermonuclear (hydrogen bomb) test. With these tests, India demonstrated its capability to design and manufacture both fission and fusion-based nuclear weapons.

Background

India’s nuclear program had been under development since its independence in 1947. However, the major breakthrough came with the first nuclear test, “Smiling Buddha,” in 1974, which was conducted in Pokharan for peaceful purposes. That had not worked effective.

To restrict the Indian nuclear program USA had imposed CTBT rules on India in 1974 after nuclear test. The CTBT stands for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty. It is an international treaty that aims to ban all nuclear explosions for both civilian and military purposes. The primary objective of the CTBT is to prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons and the development of advanced nuclear weapons technology. The CTBT’s main goal is to create a legally binding and verifiable global ban on nuclear testing. This includes underground, underwater, atmospheric, and space nuclear explosions.

USA also imposed NSG on India to ensure other countries should not supply uranium to India. The NSG stands for the Nuclear Suppliers Group. It is a multinational export control regime established to regulate and control the global trade of nuclear-related materials, equipment, and technologies.

USA also imposed NPT on India to ensure not share nuclear technology to India. The NPT stands for the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. It is an international treaty aimed at preventing the spread of nuclear weapons and promoting nuclear disarmament.

The United States once imposed satellite monitoring on India to restrict its nuclear activities. This monitoring aimed to keep a close eye on India’s nuclear program and prevent any unauthorized nuclear weapon development.

Despite the restrictions and satellite monitoring, India successfully conducted nuclear tests in 1998.

Decision to Conduct Tests:

In response to security concerns and in pursuit of strategic autonomy, the Indian government, led by Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, made the decision to conduct a series of nuclear tests in Pokhran. The operation was code-named “Operation Shakti.”

Secrecy and Preparation:

Maintaining utmost secrecy was crucial to the success of the operation. To prevent leaks, the Indian authorities worked meticulously to keep the tests concealed from the international community. The test site in Pokhran was carefully prepared, and elaborate security measures were put in place.

Reasons of Nuclear test:

1. Security Interest: In the late 1990s, India’s security concerns were growing due to the evolving geopolitical situation in the region. Neighboring countries, such as China had already become nuclear power in October 16, 1964, and India felt the need to address its security interests more assertively. Additionally, India’s concerns over the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and its discriminatory clauses also influenced the decision to conduct the tests.
2. Protecting self-interest: India’s desire for empowerment is driven by its aspiration to make decisions based on its own interests and priorities. The country seeks to be independent in its choices without external pressure from other nations. India aims to protect its sovereignty and national interests while engaging in international affairs cooperatively.
3. Strategic Autonomy: Conducting nuclear tests was seen as a way for India to assert its strategic autonomy and independence in defense matters. It sought to reduce reliance on external security guarantees and establish itself as a self-reliant nuclear power.
4. Pressure from the Domestic Context: There was domestic pressure and political consensus in India to demonstrate its nuclear capabilities. The nuclear tests were perceived as a matter of national pride and sovereignty.
5. Global Power Status: India aspired to be recognized as a major global power, and nuclear capability was considered a significant marker of such status.

Sanctions had been imposed on India after nuclear test was conducted:

After conducting the nuclear tests in May 1998, India faced international sanctions from several countries, most notably from the United States and Japan. The sanctions targeted various sectors of India’s economy and technology transfer.

1. United States: The United States, a significant trading partner for India, was among the countries that imposed sanctions. The sanctions included cutting off economic and military aid, suspending foreign assistance programs, and restricting technology transfers.
2. Japan: Japan, another major economic partner for India, also imposed sanctions. The sanctions focused on cutting off official development assistance and loans to India.
3. Multilateral Organizations: International financial institutions like the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) also curtailed financial support and loans to India as part of the sanctions.
4. European Union: The European Union also imposed certain restrictions on trade and technology transfers to India in response to the nuclear tests.
5. Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG): After the tests, India faced restrictions on access to nuclear technology and materials from NSG member countries, further impacting its nuclear energy program.

The sanctions had a significant economic impact on India, limiting foreign investment, technology cooperation, and access to international markets. However, over time, many of these sanctions were gradually lifted as India engaged in diplomatic efforts to normalize relations with the international community and demonstrated its commitment to responsible nuclear behavior. The signing of the civil nuclear cooperation agreement with the United States in 2008 marked a turning point, allowing India to re-engage in nuclear trade with other countries and fostering its integration into the global nuclear order.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, India’s nuclear tests in May 1998, known as Pokhran II, had significant and complex impacts on the country. While they were celebrated as a matter of national pride and demonstrated India’s technological prowess, they also led to international isolation and economic sanctions initially. The tests provided India with a credible nuclear deterrent and reinforced its strategic posture. However, they also raised concerns about regional instability and arms race dynamics.