Pokhran-I

GS Paper III

News Excerpt:

50 years of Pokhran-I.

About Pokhran-I:

  • On May 18, 1974, India conducted its first nuclear tests in Pokhran, Rajasthan, known as the 'Smiling Buddha' operation.
  • The event was shrouded in secrecy due to concerns from major world powers about nuclear proliferation.

Background: 

  • Post-World War II Era: In the midst of the USSR-US US Cold War, new international alliances and alignments were formed after World War II.
  • Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT): In order to stop the spread of nuclear weapons, the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT) was signed in 1968. India objected to it because it discriminated against non-nuclear states and characterized nuclear-weapon states differently.
  • India’s Discontent: India refused to sign the NPT because it did not resolve its reservations about the treaty's discriminatory nature, especially with regard to the duties of non-nuclear states.

Non-Proliferation Treaty:

  • The Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) is the centerpiece of global efforts to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons, to promote cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy and to further the goal of nuclear disarmament.
  • It consists of 191 member states and 5 nuclear weapon state parties; the parties are defined to those who manufactured and exploded a nuclear weapon or other explosive device before 1 January 1967.
  • India, Pakistan and Israel are the only countries who never signed the Treaty, moreover, North Korea withdrew from it in 2003.

Reasons for India's Nuclear Tests: 

  • Dissatisfaction with NPT: India decided to carry out independent nuclear testing because it believed the NPT discriminated against non-nuclear states like itself.
  • The change in the geopolitical environment and leadership: India's determination to develop nuclear capability was influenced by tensions with China and Pakistan, as well as changes in leadership following the 1960s. The 1964 nuclear tests conducted by China also had an impact.
  • Domestic Developments: The foundation for nuclear energy in India was established by Indian scientists, particularly Homi J. Bhabha and Vikram Sarabhai, consequently forming the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) in 1954.

The Pokhran-I Test:

  • Secrecy: Despite internal uncertainty among important decision-makers, India carried out the nuclear test at Pokhran in 1974 without previous announcement.
  • Indira Gandhi's Endorsement: Prime Minister Indira Gandhi gave the test the green light against criticism from some advisors, demonstrating India's commitment.
  • Date and Place: May 18, 1974, in Pokhran, Rajasthan, the test codenamed "Smiling Buddha" was carried out. Pokhran was selected for the test because of its distant location.
  • Message: Although India decided not to weaponize right away, the test showed off its nuclear weapons capability and self-defense capabilities. Buddha Jayanti was selected as the test day with symbolic meaning.

Significance:

  • It helped India secure a place at the international high table.

  • Due to availability on the Pokhran nuclear test data set, new designs were validated in order to guarantee the legitimacy of the nuclear deterrent.

  • Following this accomplishment, India ranked as the sixth nation in the world to carry out a nuclear test.

  • Due to the fact that India was the first country outside of the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to conduct a nuclear test, Operation Smiling Buddha attracted attention from throughout the world.

Global consequences:

  • Reconciliation with the US: After the nuclear test information was made public, India initiated a massive global outreach program, starting with the US. They changed our relationship with the United States and created the foundation for peace with the world nuclear system.
  • Criticism by USA: After expressing "great disappointment" and criticizing the tests, the US Administration slapped sanctions on India.
    • Britain's response was one of "dismay," while Germany called it a "slap in the face" to the nations that had ratified the CTBT.
  • Economic Sanctions: Japan and some European nations ceased assistance, while the United States imposed economic sanctions.
  • Effect on Relations with India: India's nuclear testing has had a profound impact on its relations with its neighbors and the rest of the world. India was subject to sanctions by a number of wealthy countries, most notably the United States, who thought that the Pokhran nuclear test could spark nuclear proliferation.

Aftermath:

  • Global Reactions: After the tests, several nations, notably the US, criticized and sanctioned India. India no longer received nuclear assistance from the US after the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Act was passed in 1978.
  • Strategic realignment: India demonstrated its nuclear capability in the face of international criticism, opening the door for later advances such as Pokhran-II in 1998.
  • Diplomatic actions: India faced opposition from several nations, most notably China, as it attempted to join international organizations such as the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) and gain recognition as a responsible nuclear state.
  • Impact: India's nuclear tests were a major turning point in its diplomatic and defense policies, influencing its position in international nuclear politics and its attitude toward nuclear matters.

International Atomic Energy Agency

  • It is the world's central intergovernmental forum for scientific and technical cooperation in the nuclear field. 
  • It works for the safe, secure and peaceful uses of nuclear science and technology, contributing to international peace and security and the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals.
  • Its headquarters is in Vienna, Austria.
  • Functions:
    • The Agency promotes the safe, secure, and peaceful use of nuclear technologies in collaboration with its Member States and numerous international partners.
    • It uses nuclear safeguards, which include inspection, monitoring, information analysis, and other procedures, to ensure that nuclear operations stay peaceful and to identify and prevent their divergence, especially toward the development of weapons.
    • Specifically, as a first line of defense against the proliferation of nuclear weapons, the IAEA carries out the comprehensive safeguards agreements required by the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).

Conclusion: 

Pokhran-I nuclear tests of May 18, 1974, represent a pivotal moment in India's assertion of its strategic autonomy and security imperatives. The tests not only demonstrated India's technological prowess but also reshaped its diplomatic and defense policies, positioning it as a key player in global nuclear politics. Overall, the Pokhran-I tests symbolize India's quest for strategic autonomy and its willingness to assert itself on the world stage, albeit at the cost of facing international criticism and sanctions.

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