India celebrated the 25th anniversary of Pokhran-II on May 11th, 2023, marking the successful nuclear bomb test explosions and solidifying its position as a nuclear power. This day is also recognized as National Technology Day to honor the contributions of Indian scientists, engineers, and technologists who played an instrumental role in the country’s scientific and technological advancement and successfully conducted the Pokhran tests.
Understanding Pokhran-II and India’s Journey towards Establishing Itself as a Nuclear Power
The origin of India’s journey towards becoming a nuclear power can be traced back to 1945 when renowned physicist Homi J. Bhaba advocated for the establishment of the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) in Bombay, dedicated to nuclear physics research. After independence, Bhaba convinced then PM Jawaharlal Nehru about the importance of nuclear energy, leading to the formation of the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) in 1954.
Motivations Behind India’s Pursuit of Nuclear Power
India’s pursuit of nuclear weapons was strongly influenced by concerns over national sovereignty, along with rising security threats from China and Pakistan. The Sino-Indian War in 1962 and China’s nuclear test in 1964 heightened India’s focus on safeguarding its national security.
Pokhran-I: India’s First Nuclear Bomb Test
Pokhran-I marked India’s first nuclear bomb test, conducted on May 18, 1974, making India the sixth country in the world to possess nuclear weapons capability. However, this led to widespread international criticism and sanctions that slowed India’s progress in nuclear technology.
Surge in Nuclear Interests: The Period Post-Pokhran-I
The 1980s saw renewed interest in nuclear weapons development due to the progression of Pakistan’s nuclear program. To counterbalance, India increased funding for its missile program and expanded its plutonium stockpiles.
Pokhran-II: Cementing India’s Status as a Nuclear Power
The series of five nuclear bomb test explosions, known as Pokhran-II, took place between May 11th-13th, 1998. This marked India’s second successful attempt at conducting a nuclear test and subsequently led to India officially declaring itself as a state possessing nuclear weapons.
India’s Nuclear Doctrine: An Overview
Post-Pokhran-II, India adopted a policy of credible minimum deterrence, suggesting that it would maintain a sufficient nuclear arsenal for deterrence purposes but would not engage in an arms race. In 2003, India’s nuclear doctrine elaborated on the ‘no first use’ policy, stating that they would not be the first to initiate a nuclear strike, but would respond with retaliatory strikes if attacked.
The Current State of India’s Nuclear Capability
Currently, India is estimated to possess approximately 160 nuclear warheads and has achieved a nuclear triad capability, allowing for the launch of nuclear weapons from land, air, and sea.
India’s Position on Various International Treaties about Nuclear Weapons
India has refused to sign the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) 1968, citing concerns about its discriminatory nature. Similarly, India has not signed the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) but joined the Wassenaar Arrangement in December 2017.
Examining Relevant Pasts UPSC Civil Services Examination Questions
Various questions related to India’s nuclear capabilities and programs have been featured in previous years’ UPSC Civil Services Examination. These include questions about the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) and the consequences of a country becoming an NPT member.
Last Modified: February 20, 2024