India’s first nuclear test in Rajasthan
India conducted its first nuclear test, codenamed "Smiling Buddha," on May 18, 1974. The test took place at the Indian Army's Pokhran Test Range in the desert state of Rajasthan. The device used in the test was a "fission device" or a "plutonium-implosion device," which had a yield of approximately 8-12 kilotons.
The nuclear test was kept classified and was conducted without the knowledge of the international community. It was not until three days later, on May 21, 1974, that India publicly announced its successful nuclear test. India stated that the test was a peaceful nuclear explosion conducted for peaceful purposes, such as harnessing nuclear energy for civilian use.
This event led to concerns and reactions from other countries, particularly those with existing non-proliferation treaties. The test raised questions about India's intentions regarding its nuclear capabilities and triggered geopolitical implications in the region. It also prompted the international community to pressure India to join the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT).
It was not until 1998, however, that India conducted a series of nuclear tests again, including both fission and thermonuclear devices. These tests were codenamed "Operation Shakti" and were conducted on May 11 and May 13, 1998, at the same Pokhran Test Range. These tests established India as a declared nuclear weapons state.
Pokhran-II: The series of nuclear tests conducted by India in 1998, known as Pokhran-II, involved five detonations. These tests included a thermonuclear device, also known as a hydrogen bomb or H-bomb. The thermonuclear device tested had an estimated yield of around 45 kilotons, significantly more powerful than the previous "Smiling Buddha" test. The tests were conducted under the leadership of then-Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
Global Reaction: India's nuclear tests in 1998 drew strong reactions from the international community. The tests were widely condemned, and the United States, along with several other countries, imposed economic sanctions on India. These sanctions were gradually lifted in the early 2000s, following India's commitment to nuclear non-proliferation and its willingness to engage in arms control negotiations.
Nuclear Doctrine: After the 1998 tests, India declared a "no first use" policy, stating that it would not be the first to use nuclear weapons in a conflict. This policy remains in place as part of India's nuclear doctrine. India's nuclear posture is centered on credible minimum deterrence, emphasizing a retaliatory response to any nuclear aggression.
Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG): Following the nuclear tests, India faced restrictions on nuclear cooperation due to its status as a non-signatory to the NPT. India sought to gain access to global nuclear trade and technology and pursued negotiations to gain membership in the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), which controls the export of nuclear materials and technology. In 2008, the NSG granted a waiver to India, allowing it to engage in civilian nuclear trade with member states.
Indo-US Nuclear Deal: In 2005, India and the United States signed the Indo-US Civil Nuclear Agreement, also known as the 123 Agreement. This landmark deal facilitated nuclear cooperation between the two countries and recognized India as a responsible nuclear power while supporting its civilian nuclear energy program. The agreement required India to separate its civilian and military nuclear facilities and place civilian facilities under International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safeguards.
Pokhran-I (1974) and the Peaceful Nuclear Explosion (PNE) Concept: India's first nuclear test, Pokhran-I (Smiling Buddha), was conducted under the guise of a "peaceful nuclear explosion" for civilian purposes. The PNE concept refers to the use of nuclear explosions for non-military applications, such as energy generation and industrial uses. India justified the test as part of its nuclear energy program.
India's Nuclear Energy Program: Alongside its nuclear weapons development, India has been pursuing a civilian nuclear energy program. It operates nuclear power plants for electricity generation and has sought international cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear energy. India is a member of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and has signed several bilateral nuclear cooperation agreements with other countries.
Nuclear Doctrine Updates: In 2003, India's Cabinet Committee on Security approved an update to its nuclear doctrine, which included the possibility of a nuclear response to a chemical or biological attack on India. This widened the scope of India's nuclear deterrence strategy beyond purely nuclear threats. However, India maintains a policy of maintaining a credible minimum deterrent and continues to emphasize a no first use stance.
Agni Series Missile Tests: In addition to nuclear tests, India has been developing and testing ballistic missiles as part of its strategic deterrent capabilities. The Agni series of missiles, including Agni-I, Agni-II, Agni-III, and Agni-V, have been tested and deployed by India. These missiles have varying ranges and capabilities, allowing India to project its strategic reach.
Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT): India has not signed the CTBT, which aims to ban all nuclear explosions, including for testing purposes. India has expressed concerns about the treaty's verification mechanisms, the need for disarmament commitments from nuclear weapon states, and the potential impact on its national security. However, India has maintained a voluntary moratorium on nuclear testing since its last series of tests in 1998.
Nuclear Arsenal and Modernization: While India has not publicly disclosed the exact size of its nuclear arsenal, it is believed to possess a relatively modest number of nuclear warheads. India has been investing in the modernization of its nuclear arsenal, including developing advanced delivery systems and technologies to enhance survivability, command, control, and communication capabilities.
India's nuclear testing and development have been significant factors shaping its national security strategy, regional dynamics in South Asia, and its relationship with other nuclear-armed states. The evolving landscape of nuclear weapons and arms control continues to influence India's approach to nuclear deterrence and non-proliferation efforts.
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