25th anniversary of Pokhran-II
Recently the 25th anniversary of Pokhran-II has been celebrated. It may be noted that in May 1998, India tested five nuclear bombs at the Pokhran Test Range of the Indian Army. This test was named Pokhran-2. It is also called “Operation Shakti”.
This was the second Indian nuclear test. The first test was done in the year 1974. Its code name was “Smiling Buddha”.
Why was the nuclear test needed?
- A hostile security environment was created in the early 1990s after the collapse of the Soviet Union.
- Nuclear-weapon states had failed to accept the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT), as well as a time-bound framework for achieving the goals of nuclear disarmament.
- Some of India’s neighbors behave in a hostile manner.
- Nuclear power and energy sources were also to be used for the development of India.
Effect of nuclear test –
- These tests enabled India to establish a credible nuclear deterrence and counter nuclear blackmailing by western countries.
- This laid the foundation for achieving self-reliance in the development of nuclear weapons.
- Pokhran-I had a significant impact on the geopolitical situation of India. This test had improved India’s image as a country playing a strategic role in South Asia and the world.
- These nuclear tests led to the development of India’s nuclear doctrine. The doctrine clarified India’s position on nuclear issues and the use of nuclear weapons.
India’s Nuclear Doctrine
- Building and maintaining a credible minimum nuclear deterrent.
- Adherence to the policy of ‘no first use’ in the matter of use of nuclear weapons.
- Not using nuclear weapons against countries that do not have nuclear weapons.
- Strict controls will be maintained on the export of nuclear and missile related materials and technologies.
Source – Indian Express