India’s 77th Independence Day is a significant milestone in the country’s journey since gaining independence in 1947. Over the past seven decades, India has made remarkable progress and is on track to becoming a major power. To commemorate this occasion, a flashback series will be launched, highlighting India’s many milestones, including its nuclear journey. India’s nuclear program has played a crucial role in shaping the country’s national security and global standing. Exploring this milestone will shed light on the challenges and achievements of India’s nuclear program. Understanding India’s nuclear journey is an essential part of comprehending its geopolitical landscape.
The Beginning of India’s Nuclear Program:
India’s journey towards becoming a nuclear state began with the efforts of Homi J Baba, often referred to as the father of India’s nuclear program. Baba, who had a PhD in nuclear physics, was instrumental in laying the foundation for India’s nuclear ambitions.
However, Baba’s request to research nuclear energy was initially met with hesitation from India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru. Nehru, who had a peaceful image, was reluctant to pursue nuclear power. It wasn’t until 1954 that Nehru established the Department of Atomic Energy, with Baba as its director.
In 1954, India acquired the Cirrus nuclear reactor through the Atoms for Peace program. While the reactor was strictly intended for civilian use, Baba secretly had plans to develop nuclear weapons. He invited foreign physicists and conducted extensive research to lay the groundwork for India’s bomb.
China’s nuclear test in 1964 had a significant impact on India’s decision to pursue nuclear weapons. With two hostile neighbors, one of which was now a nuclear power, Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri had no choice but to consider the nuclear option for India’s security.
India never signed the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), which set a deadline for nuclear powers. This allowed India to continue developing its nuclear program without restrictions. Homi J Baba’s death in 1966 marked a turning point, as India’s bomb was ready and waiting to be deployed.
On May 18, 1974, India conducted its first nuclear test, codenamed “Smiling Buddha”. While India claimed it was a peaceful nuclear explosion with few military implications, the rest of the world imposed major sanctions on the country.
India faced a testing gap for the next 24 years, until worrying news from Pakistan prompted them to resume testing. In 1998, under the leadership of Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, India conducted a series of nuclear tests, declaring itself a full-fledged nuclear state.
India’s pursuit of nuclear weapons was driven by the need for self-defense and preserving national security. Despite facing international sanctions, India’s nuclear weapons policy remains unchanged, with a commitment to a “no first use” doctrine.
India’s First Nuclear Test: Smiling Buddha:
In 1974, India conducted its first nuclear test, codenamed “Smiling Buddha”. This test marked a significant milestone in India’s nuclear journey and had various implications for the country.
Background on the non-proliferation treaty and India’s decision not to sign
India’s decision not to sign the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) played a crucial role in its nuclear program. The NPT set a deadline for nuclear powers, which India believed to be discriminatory. This allowed India to continue developing its nuclear program without restrictions.
The death of Homi J Baba and the completion of the nuclear bomb
Homi J Baba, often referred to as the father of India’s nuclear program, played a key role in the development of India’s nuclear weapons. His death in 1966 marked a turning point, as India’s bomb was ready and waiting to be deployed.
Details of the Smiling Buddha test in 1974
On May 18, 1974, India conducted the Smiling Buddha test. The test took place in the deserts of Rajasthan and involved a nuclear explosion. While India claimed it was a peaceful nuclear explosion with limited military implications, the rest of the world imposed major sanctions on the country.
International reaction and imposition of sanctions
The international community, led by the United States and Canada, reacted strongly to India’s nuclear test. They imposed major sanctions on the country as a result. However, India’s economy was in a better position to withstand these sanctions compared to its first nuclear test in 1974.
The gap in testing and the need for India to resume
Following the 1974 test, India faced a testing gap for the next 24 years. However, the worrying news from Pakistan’s nuclear program prompted India to resume testing. In 1998, under the leadership of Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, India conducted a series of nuclear tests, declaring itself a full-fledged nuclear state.
India’s pursuit of nuclear weapons was driven by the need for self-defense and preserving national security. Despite facing international sanctions, India’s nuclear weapons policy remains unchanged, with a commitment to a “no first use” doctrine.
India’s Nuclear Tests in the 1990s:
In the 1990s, India faced geopolitical changes and a growing threat from Pakistan that led to a series of nuclear tests.
Geopolitical changes in the 1990s and the threat from Pakistan
The collapse of the Soviet Union and the loss of its biggest political and military supporter left India vulnerable to security threats. Pakistan, with its own nuclear program, posed a significant threat to India’s security.
India’s preparations for another nuclear test
In 1995, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narasimha Rao, India approved plans for another nuclear test. The preparations were made, and the location was chosen to be Pokhran.
The US satellite detection and diplomatic intervention
However, the United States detected the activity in Pokhran through its spy satellites. President Bill Clinton, fearing a nuclear arms race between India and Pakistan, sent the US ambassador to India to show satellite images and engage in diplomatic discussions to dissuade India from conducting the test.
Opportunity for nuclear testing under Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s leadership
In 1998, under the leadership of Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, India seized another opportunity for nuclear testing. Vajpayee’s party had made nuclear testing a campaign issue, and the challenge now was to both test the bomb and hide it from international detection.
The elaborate plan to hide the tests and the success of the tests
An elaborate plan was devised to conduct the tests in secret. The work was done only at night to avoid detection by spy satellites, and when the tests were completed, everything was put back in place to maintain the appearance of normalcy during the day. The tests were conducted on May 11 and May 13, 1998, and were successful.
International Reactions and Sanctions:
India’s nuclear tests in 1974 and 1998 were met with strong reactions and sanctions from the international community, particularly Western countries.
Western countries’ outrage and imposition of sanctions
Upon India’s first nuclear test in 1974, codenamed “Smiling Buddha,” the United States and Canada led the international community in expressing outrage and imposing major sanctions on India. These sanctions were in response to India’s perceived violation of international norms and concerns about nuclear proliferation.
In 1998, when India conducted a series of nuclear tests, both the United States and other Western countries once again reacted strongly. The imposition of sanctions was seen as a way to discourage further nuclear testing and to exert pressure on India to adhere to international non-proliferation norms.
Comparison of the sanctions in 1974 and 1998
The sanctions imposed on India differed between the 1974 test and the 1998 tests. In 1974, the sanctions were more severe and had a significant impact on India’s economy. However, by 1998, India’s economy had grown stronger, allowing it to better withstand the sanctions imposed by Western countries.
India’s economic readiness to face the sanctions
Due to India’s economic growth and development over the years, it was better prepared to face the sanctions imposed after the 1998 nuclear tests. The country had diversified its economy and reduced its dependence on foreign aid, making it more resilient to international pressure.
Vajpayee’s declaration of a moratorium on nuclear tests
Following the 1998 tests, Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee declared a moratorium on further nuclear tests. This declaration was seen as an attempt to defuse tensions and reassure the international community that India was committed to responsible nuclear practices.
India’s commitment to the no first use Doctrine
In addition to the moratorium, India also reiterated its commitment to the no first use doctrine. This policy states that India will not be the first to use nuclear weapons in any conflict and will only use them in response to a nuclear attack.
Despite facing international sanctions, India has remained steadfast in its commitment to responsible nuclear practices and the preservation of national security.
Justification of India’s Pursuit of Nuclear Weapons
India’s pursuit of nuclear weapons can be justified based on several key factors:
India’s need for self-defense and security
India’s decision to develop nuclear weapons was driven by its need for self-defense and national security. With two hostile neighbors, one of which was a nuclear power, India found it necessary to possess its own nuclear deterrent to ensure its safety and protect its sovereignty.
Comparison with Ukraine’s situation after giving up nuclear weapons
The case of Ukraine, which gave up its nuclear weapons in exchange for security guarantees, serves as a cautionary tale. Despite assurances from the international community, Ukraine has faced aggression and invasion from the same country that offered them guarantees. India’s pursuit of nuclear weapons can be seen as a lesson learned from Ukraine’s experience.
Current perception of India as a preferred partner by the US and Europe
India’s status as a nuclear state has helped improve its standing in the international community. The United States and Europe now view India as a valued partner in the region, recognizing its role in maintaining regional stability and countering common threats.
Conclusion on the justification of India’s nuclear weapons program
In conclusion, India’s pursuit of nuclear weapons can be justified based on its need for self-defense and national security. The comparison with Ukraine’s situation highlights the importance of maintaining a credible deterrence in the face of potential threats. Additionally, India’s current standing as a preferred partner by the US and Europe reaffirms the importance and relevance of its nuclear weapons program.
