On May 11, 2023, India achieved a major milestone by successfully conducting nuclear bomb test explosions, known as Pokhran-II. This event marked a significant step in India’s journey to becoming a nuclear power. The date, May 11, is now celebrated as National Technology Day to honor the dedication and hard work of Indian scientists, engineers, and technologists who played a crucial role in the success of the Pokhran tests. It’s a day to recognize their contributions to the scientific and technological progress of the country.

What is Pokhran-II?

In May 1998, India carried out its second series of nuclear tests at the Pokhran Test Range in Rajasthan. These tests involved setting off several nuclear devices to showcase India’s nuclear capabilities. The Atal Bihari Vajpayee government led the way in conducting these tests, which had a big impact on India’s nuclear policy. The international response included some countries imposing sanctions on India due to these tests.

Background

• India’s journey into developing nuclear missiles began in 1944 when scientist Homi J. Bhabha suggested establishing a nuclear research institute to the Indian National Congress. This idea led to the creation of the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research.
• The real push for India’s nuclear ambitions came in response to China’s nuclear test in 1964. However, progress was slow until another Chinese test in 1967 prompted India to conduct its first nuclear test, Smiling Buddha, in 1974.
• Following the Smiling Buddha test, global powers imposed a technological embargo on India through collaboration with the Nuclear Suppliers Group. These sanctions, combined with India’s reliance on imported technology, hampered the nuclear program, and Pakistan’s entry into the nuclear arms race added to the challenges. Throughout the Cold War era, India’s nuclear pursuits faced uncertainties.
• In 1995, under the Narasimha Rao government, the nuclear program gained momentum. However, CIA surveillance satellites detected preparations for tests, leading to international criticism and the threat of sanctions, causing a temporary halt.
• It wasn’t until the BJP government, led by Atal Bihari Vajpayee, took office in 1998 that the decision to proceed with a new series of nuclear tests, known as Pokhran II, was made.

Pokhran Nuclear Test Events

Team Working on India’s Nuclear Test Pokhran-II

The main architects of the historical project of the Pokhran 2 nuclear tests were as follows:

• The 58th Engineer’s commander– Colonel Gopal Kaushik
• Chief Project Coordinators
• Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam- Scientific Adviser to the prime minister and Head of the DRDO.
• Dr. R. Chidambaram- Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission and the Department of Atomic energy.

Defence Research & Development Organization (DRDO)

• Dr. K. Santhanam- Director, Test Site Preparations.
• Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research
• Dr. G. R. Dikshitulu- Senior Research Scientist B.S.O.I Group, Nuclear Materials Acquisition

Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC)

• Dr. Anil Kakodkar- Director of BARC.
• Dr. Satinder Kumar Sikka- Director; Thermonuclear Weapon Development.
• Dr. M.S. Ramkumar- Director of Nuclear Fuel and Automation Manufacturing Group; Director, Nuclear Component Manufacture.
• Dr.. D.D. Sood- Director of Radiochemistry and Isotope Group; Director, Nuclear Materials Acquisition.
• Dr. S.K. Gupta- Director, Device Design & Assessment.
• Dr. G. Govindraj- Associate Director of Electronic and Instrumentation Group; Director, Field Instrumentation.

Advantages

• Developing nuclear weapons enhances a country’s strength and establishes a deterrent, contributing to a stabilized security situation.
• India skillfully transformed a critical situation into an opportunity by gaining international legitimacy for its nuclear arsenal and overcoming obstacles to nuclear power generation.
• India joined the global nuclear community without signing key treaties like the NPT or CTBT, paving the way for the development of nuclear power.
• By sidestepping certain treaties, India opened doors to the global nuclear market, fostering the growth of nuclear power.
• While some countries publicly criticized India, privately, many conveyed congratulations through unofficial channels, highlighting the complex diplomatic landscape.

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