POKHRAN- I
On this day in 1974, India conducted its historic first nuclear tests in Pokhran, Rajasthan, as part of the 'Smiling Buddha' operation. The event was shrouded in secrecy until its occurrence, amidst efforts by major world powers to curb the spread of nuclear weapons among states.
2. Background to India's Nuclear Tests
- In the aftermath of World War II, which wrought immense devastation and loss of life, global dynamics shifted, giving rise to new alliances and rivalries. The Cold War era saw the United States and the Soviet Union engaged in proxy conflicts worldwide, driven by ideological and economic competition.
- The detonation of nuclear bombs by the US over Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945, followed by the Soviet Union's nuclear test in 1949, underscored the urgent need for regulations to prevent catastrophic consequences from nuclear warfare.
- In response, the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT) was drafted and signed in 1968. The treaty designated nuclear-weapon States, including those that had conducted nuclear tests before January 1, 1967, commonly referred to as the P-5 countries the United States, United Kingdom, France, China, and Russia.
Key Provisions of the NPT
- Signatories committed to refraining from transferring nuclear weapons or related technology to other states.
- Non-nuclear states pledged not to develop, acquire, or receive nuclear weapons.
- All parties agreed to abide by safeguards established by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to prevent nuclear proliferation.
- Parties to the treaty vowed to contribute to the cessation of the nuclear arms race and to mitigate the spread of nuclear technology.
Opposition to Discriminatory Treaties
India opposed the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT) due to its perceived discriminatory nature, which favoured the nuclear-weapon states (P-5). The treaty's failure to impose concrete obligations on existing nuclear-armed states while restricting non-nuclear states raised objections from India.
National Security Concerns
The shifting geopolitical landscape, marked by conflicts and the emergence of nuclear-armed neighbours, fueled India's apprehensions regarding its national security. Wars with China in 1962 and with Pakistan in 1965 and 1971, coupled with China's nuclear tests in 1964, underscored the need for India to reassess its defense strategy.
Scientific Advancement and Self-Reliance
Pioneering efforts in nuclear energy by scientists like Homi J Bhabha and Vikram Sarabhai laid the foundation for India's nuclear program. The establishment of the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) in 1954 under Bhabha's leadership reflected India's commitment to harnessing nuclear technology for peaceful purposes, including energy production.
Changing Leadership Dynamics
The demise of Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and the succession of Morarji Desai in the 1960s, coupled with geopolitical shifts and military conflicts, influenced India's nuclear policy. While Nehru remained cautious about nuclear weapons, subsequent leaders were more receptive to the idea, especially in light of regional security challenges.
4. Execution of Pokhran-I
- Prime Minister Indira Gandhi diverged from Nehru's stance on nuclear tests, displaying a more receptive attitude. However, cognizant of international treaties enforced by the P-5 nations, India opted for clandestine nuclear testing without prior disclosure.
- On May 18, 1974, a nuclear device was detonated at Pokhran, situated in the arid expanse of western Rajasthan. This remote location, designated as an army test range, provided a secluded environment conducive to conducting the tests discreetly.
- Approximately 75 researchers and scientists were enlisted for the operation, working diligently to ensure its success. The codename "Smiling Buddha" was chosen, symbolic of the auspicious occasion coinciding with Buddha Jayanti, the birth anniversary of Gautama Buddha.
- With a yield estimated at 12-13 kilotons of TNT, Pokhran-I marked a significant milestone in India's nuclear endeavours, underscoring its resolve to assert its technological prowess and strategic autonomy on the global stage.
- Following the Pokhran-I tests, India refrained from immediate weaponization of its nuclear capabilities, opting to demonstrate defensive readiness rather than aggressive posturing. The decision to withhold weaponization was deferred until the Pokhran-II tests in 1998.
- However, India encountered significant backlash from various nations in the aftermath of the tests. In 1978, US President Jimmy Carter signed the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Act, leading to the cessation of nuclear assistance from the US to India. The relationship between the two countries remained strained until July 18, 2005, when US President George W. Bush and Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh announced their intent to establish a nuclear agreement, signalling a shift in the US stance.
- Simultaneously, the US advocated for the establishment of a consortium comprising nuclear equipment and fissile material suppliers, known as the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG). This group, consisting of 48 nations, formulated regulations for nuclear equipment export, with admission granted solely through consensus.
- Since 2008, India has been actively pursuing membership in the NSG, aiming to secure a prominent position in the global nuclear landscape and facilitate nuclear commerce. Despite initial opposition from countries like Australia, India's persistent efforts have garnered support from various nations, with Mexico and Switzerland being the latest endorsers. India's strategic diplomacy aims to overcome resistance and gain admission to the NSG, notwithstanding the sole dissenting voice of China.
- The delayed progression to nuclear weaponization, coupled with India's portrayal as a responsible nuclear power, has gradually fostered acceptance among nations and facilitated its integration into influential international forums such as the NSG.
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For Prelims: Pokhran-I, NSG, P-5 Countries
For Mains:
1. The concept of "responsible nuclear power" has been used to describe India's nuclear posture. Critically analyze this concept and its implications for global nuclear security. (250 Words)
2. Discuss the scientific and technological advancements that led to India's successful nuclear test at Pokhran-I. How can India leverage its nuclear expertise for peaceful applications like energy production? (250 Words)
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Previous Year Questions
1. What is/are the consequence/consequences of a country becoming a member of the 'Nuclear Suppliers Group'? (UPSC 2018)
1. It will have access to the latest and most efficient nuclear technologies.
2. It automatically becomes a member of "The Treaty on the Non-proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT)".
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 only B. 2 only C. Both 1 and 2 D. Neither 1 nor 2
2. In which one of the following groups are all the four countries members of G20? (UPSC 2020)
A. Argentina, Mexico, South Africa and Turkey
B. Australia, Canada, Malaysia and New Zealand
C. Brazil, Iran, Saudi Arabia and Vietnam
D. Indonesia, Japan, Singapore and South Korea
3. Hydrogen bomb is based on the principle of (67th BPSC Prelims 2022) (Chhattisgarh Police SI Prelims 2012)
A. controlled fusion reaction
B. uncontrolled fusion reaction
C. controlled fission reaction
D. uncontrolled fission reaction
D. None of the above/More than one of the above
4. To meet its rapidly growing energy demand, some opine that India should pursue research and development on thorium as the future fuel of nuclear energy. In this context, what advantage does thorium hold over uranium? (UPSC 2012)
1. Thorium is far more abundant in nature than uranium.
2. On the basis of per unit mass of mined mineral, thorium can generate more energy compared to natural uranium.
3. Thorium produces less harmful waste compared to uranium.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 only B. 2 and 3 only C. 1 and 3 only D. 1, 2 and 3
5. In India, why are some nuclear reactors kept under "IAEA Safeguards" while others are not? (UPSC 2020)
A. Some use uranium and others use thorium
B. Some use imported uranium and others use domestic supplies
C. Some are operated by foreign enterprises and others are operated by domestic enterprises
D. Some are State-owned and others are privately-owned
Answer: 1-A, 2-A, 3-B, 4-D, 5-B
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