India’s nuclear tests conducted in 1998 under the NDA government, led by then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, have had a profound impact on the nation’s security posture. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar asserted the crucial role these tests played in bolstering India’s national security.
Minister Jaishankar’s statement underscores the continuity in policy that has guided India’s approach to national security. The current NDA administration, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has remained steadfast in its commitment to combating terrorism and strengthening border infrastructure.
The Pokhran nuclear tests, conducted on May 11 and 13, 1998, involved a series of five nuclear detonations at the Pokhran range in Rajasthan’s desert. The tests included a 45-kiloton thermonuclear device, a 15-kiloton fission device, and several smaller devices. The Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) confirmed the success and expected yields of the nuclear devices based on comprehensive evaluations and simulations.
The successful conduct of the nuclear tests solidified India’s status as a nuclear power and demonstrated its advanced nuclear capabilities. The tests were a testament to the country’s scientific and technological prowess and served as a deterrent against potential threats.
Minister Jaishankar’s remarks on the anniversary of the Pokhran nuclear tests highlight the enduring legacy of these tests in shaping India’s defense strategy and reinforcing its national security. The continuity in policy from the 1998 government to the present administration has been instrumental in maintaining India’s robust defense posture and ensuring the country’s safety and security in an increasingly complex global security landscape.
