India's atomic explosions in 1974 and 1998 were watershed moments in the country's history, transforming its global standing and strategic landscape. These tests, conducted in the Pokhran desert of Rajasthan, demonstrated India's newfound nuclear prowess and its resolve to emerge as a major power.
The first test, code-named Smiling Buddha, was conducted on May 18, 1974, during the height of the Cold War. The test was a surprise to the world, as India had previously denied any interest in developing nuclear weapons. The Indian government justified the test as a "peaceful nuclear explosion" intended for civilian purposes, such as mining and oil exploration. However, most observers believed that the test was a thinly veiled attempt to deter China and Pakistan, both of which had already developed nuclear weapons.
The second round of tests, code-named Pokhran-II, was conducted on May 11-13, 1998, under the government of Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. These tests were more extensive than the first, involving five detonations, including a thermonuclear bomb. The Pokhran-II tests were met with international condemnation, and India was subjected to sanctions by several countries. However, the tests also had the desired effect of deterring its adversaries and cementing India's status as a nuclear power.
India's atomic explosions had a profound impact on the global nuclear order. They challenged the existing nuclear non-proliferation regime and led to a renewed focus on nuclear arms control. The tests also raised concerns about the proliferation of nuclear weapons to other countries. However, India's nuclear deterrence posture has also been seen as a stabilizing factor in South Asia, preventing any major conflicts between India and Pakistan.
India's atomic explosions were a watershed moment in the country's history. They transformed India's global standing and strategic landscape, and continue to cast a long shadow over the global nuclear order.