Nuclear test: Under project Smiling Buddha, India successfully detonates its first nuclear weapon becoming the sixth nation to do so.

On May 18, 1974, India achieved a significant milestone by successfully detonating its first nuclear weapon under project Smiling Buddha. This historic event positioned India as the sixth nation to become a nuclear power. The nuclear test marked a turning point in India’s defense capabilities and had far-reaching implications, both domestically and internationally.

Project Smiling Buddha was initiated by the Indian government in order to establish a nuclear weapons program and build a deterrent against potential threats. Prime Minister Indira Gandhi played a crucial role in the development and implementation of this project. Under her leadership, India aimed to enhance its national security and maintain strategic parity with other nuclear-armed nations.

The successful detonation of India’s first nuclear weapon was a result of extensive research and development efforts. Scientists and researchers at the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) played a pivotal role in the design and development of the nuclear device. The test took place at the Pokhran Test Range in Rajasthan, a remote region suitable for conducting such experiments.

The nuclear test, codenamed “Smiling Buddha,” involved the detonation of a fission bomb with an estimated yield of 12 kilotons. This explosive power was relatively low compared to other nuclear tests conducted by larger nuclear powers. Nevertheless, it demonstrated India’s ability to develop and deploy nuclear weapons, a significant achievement for the nation.

India’s nuclear test drew mixed reactions from the international community. While some countries expressed concerns about nuclear proliferation, others recognized India’s right to defend itself and viewed the test as a means of maintaining regional stability. The United States, in particular, condemned the test but engaged in diplomatic negotiations with India to ease tensions and establish safeguards against further proliferation.

The test also had a profound impact on India’s domestic politics. It garnered widespread support and praise from the Indian population, who celebrated the country’s newfound status as a nuclear power. The success of the nuclear test boosted national pride and bolstered the ruling government’s popularity. However, it also ignited debates and controversies, with critics arguing that the resources allocated to the nuclear program could have been better utilized for social and economic development.

Following the nuclear test, India adopted a policy of responsible nuclear stewardship. The country adhered to a doctrine of minimum deterrence, emphasizing that its nuclear capabilities were solely for defensive purposes. India committed to a “no-first-use” policy, stating that it would only use nuclear weapons in response to a nuclear attack on its territory.

In the years that followed the 1974 nuclear test, India faced numerous challenges and accomplishments in its pursuit of nuclear technology. The country went on to conduct additional nuclear tests in 1998 and establish itself as a declared nuclear weapon state. Despite international criticism and sanctions following these tests, India’s nuclear program persevered and evolved.

India’s entry into the exclusive club of nuclear powers significantly impacted the global nuclear landscape and triggered discussions about nuclear non-proliferation. The event highlighted the importance of strengthening international cooperation and control over the spread of nuclear weapons technology.

India’s successful nuclear test under project Smiling Buddha on May 18, 1974, marked a significant milestone in the country’s defense capabilities. It established India as the sixth nation to possess nuclear weapons, sparking domestic celebration and international debates. Despite the controversies and challenges that followed, India remained committed to responsible nuclear stewardship and became a recognized nuclear weapon state. This event had far-reaching implications for regional and global security, emphasizing the need for cooperation and control in nuclear affairs.