Pokhran Nuclear Test: From Smiling Buddha to Operation Shakti

Pokhran Nuclear Test- In May 1998, India conducted a series of nuclear experiments at its Pokhran testing facility in the northwestern region of Rajasthan. These experiments encompassed both subterranean and atmospheric detonations and marked a momentous achievement in India’s nuclear development, reshaping its interactions with the international arena. These tests were not only celebrated as a testament to Indian scientific and technological prowess but also triggered widespread controversy and censure from the global community. Consequently, India found itself in a phase of diplomatic seclusion and was subjected to economic sanctions. The enduring significance of the Pokhran experiments persists, sparking discussions and analysis within India and on the global platform. This renders it a crucial subject for UPSC aspirants.

Pokhran 1

India’s first nuclear test, codenamed “Smiling Buddha,” was conducted at the Pokhran site in May 1974, making India the first country outside of the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council to conduct a nuclear test. The test was carried out under the leadership of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and marked a significant step forward in India’s nuclear ambitions. The test was a “peaceful nuclear explosion” (PNE) intended for civilian purposes, but it raised concerns in the international community about India’s nuclear intentions and led to widespread condemnation and sanctions. The test also triggered a nuclear arms race in the region, with Pakistan accelerating its own nuclear weapons program in response.

Pokhran 2

The Pokhran site hosted India’s second wave of nuclear tests, code-named “Operation Shakti,” in May 1998. Five nuclear explosions were carried out during the tests, which were overseen by Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, over the course of three days, with a thermonuclear or hydrogen bomb serving as the last test. It was widely believed that the tests were a response to perceived threats from Pakistan and China, both of whom having carried out their own nuclear tests in the years before. The world community widely condemned the tests, and the United States and other nations hit India with economic penalties as a result. The tests, however, enjoyed enormous popularity in India and were viewed as a source of national pride and technological advancement. The testing also had results.

Pokhran Nuclear Test Site

Since the start of India’s nuclear program, the Pokhran test site in Rajasthan’s Thar Desert has been a key component. The facility features a multitude of underground tunnels, shafts, and laboratories intended for nuclear testing and research and is spread out over a vast area of over 45 square miles. Also, the location had geographical characteristics that made it perfect for nuclear testing underground. The location is a very sensitive and protected region, with access limited to authorized people only.

Why Pokhran was chosen for Nuclear Test 

Pokhran was chosen for India’s nuclear tests for a number of reasons. Firstly, the site is located in the Thar Desert of Rajasthan, which is a remote and sparsely populated area, minimizing the risk of harm to civilians in the event of a nuclear accident or explosion. Secondly, the site has a unique geology, with a layer of hard rock that is well-suited for underground nuclear testing. Thirdly, the site had already been used for India’s first nuclear test in 1974, which had established a certain level of infrastructure and expertise at the site. Finally, the choice of Pokhran was also influenced by strategic and political considerations, as it was believed that conducting the tests would send a strong message to India’s regional adversaries, particularly China and Pakistan.

Sanction on India after Pokhran 1

1. The Smiling Buddha nuclear test conducted at Pokhran in 1974 made India the sixth nuclear power in the world and the first non-permanent member of the UN Security Council to develop nuclear weapons.
2. The news of the test was met with jubilation and pride within India, with the government hailing it as a major scientific and technological achievement.
3. However, the test also generated widespread condemnation and criticism from the international community, with many countries expressing concern about the potentially destabilizing impact of India’s nuclear program on global security.
4. The United States, Canada, and Japan imposed economic sanctions on India, while the Soviet Union and other countries expressed their disapproval of the test.
5. The test triggered a nuclear arms race in the region, with Pakistan accelerating its own nuclear weapons program in response.
6. Despite the international backlash, the test was widely seen as a significant milestone in India’s history, and it served to consolidate national pride and identity in the country.

Sanction on India after Pokhran 2

1. India’s second round of nuclear tests, codenamed “Operation Shakti,” took place at the Pokhran site in May 1998, and included five nuclear explosions over the course of three days, with the final test being a thermonuclear or hydrogen bomb.
2. The tests were widely seen as a response to perceived threats from China and Pakistan, both of which had conducted their own nuclear tests in the preceding years.
3. The tests sparked widespread controversy and condemnation from the international community, with the United States and other countries imposing economic sanctions on India.
4. However, the tests were widely popular within India, and were seen as a symbol of national pride and technological achievement.
5. The tests marked a significant step forward in India’s nuclear ambitions, solidifying its status as a nuclear power and increasing its strategic leverage in the region.
6. The tests also triggered a new phase in India’s foreign policy, with the country adopting a more assertive stance on the world stage and pushing for a more prominent role in international affairs.
7. Despite the international backlash, the tests were widely seen as a successful demonstration of India’s technological capabilities and a reaffirmation of its national sovereignty.

Interesting fact about Pokhran for UPSC Aspirants

1. Pokhran is a small town located in the Jaisalmer district of Rajasthan, India.
   The town is located in the Thar Desert, which is the seventh-largest desert in the world and spans parts of India and Pakistan.
2. The area around Pokhran has been inhabited since ancient times and is home to several archaeological sites and temples dating back to the 8th century AD.
3. Pokhran is famous for its nuclear tests, with India conducting its first nuclear test, codenamed “Smiling Buddha,” in the region in 1974.
4. India’s second round of nuclear tests, codenamed “Operation Shakti,” took place at the Pokhran site in 1998 and included five nuclear explosions.
5. The tests were controversial and led to international sanctions on India, but were widely popular within India and solidified the country’s status as a nuclear power.
6. In addition to its nuclear tests, Pokhran is also known for its proximity to the Pokhran Fort, which was built in the 14th century and is a popular tourist attraction in the region.
7. Pokhran is also home to several natural and man-made lakes, including the Phalodi-Jodhpur-Pokhran Lake, which is the largest lake in the region and is a source of water for nearby villages.
8. The area around Pokhran is known for its unique flora and fauna, including several species of desert plants and animals such as chinkara, desert fox, and sandgrouse.

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