25th Anniversary of Pokhran-II

• 20 May 2023

For Prelims: Pokhran-I, Pokhran-II, Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), National Technology Day, no first use policy

For Mains: Significance of Pokhran-II in shaping India's nuclear capabilities, India's nuclear doctrine and its implications for national security.

Why in News?

India recently celebrated the 25^th anniversary of Pokhran-II on 11^th May 2023 marking the successful nuclear bomb test explosions which became a significant milestone in its journey to become a nuclear power.

• May 11 is also celebrated as the National Technology Day to honour Indian scientists, engineers and technologists, who worked for the country's scientific and technological advancement and ensured the successful conduct of Pokhran tests.

What is Pokhran-II and India’s Journey as a Nuclear Power?

• Origin:
  • In 1945, renowned physicist Homi J. Bhaba lobbied for the establishment of the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) in Bombay, dedicated to nuclear physics research.
    • TIFR became India’s first research institution dedicated to the study of nuclear physics.
  • Post-independence, Bhaba convinced the then PM Jawaharlal Nehru about the importance of nuclear energy and in 1954, the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) was founded, with Bhabha as the director.
    • The DAE operated autonomously, away from significant public scrutiny.
• Reasons for India's Pursuit of Nuclear Weapons:
  • India's pursuit of nuclear weapons was motivated by concerns over its sovereignty and security threats from China and Pakistan.
  • The 1962 Sino-Indian War and China's nuclear test in 1964 heightened the need for India to safeguard its national security.
  • The war with Pakistan in 1965, with Chinese support, further emphasized the need for self-sufficiency in defense capabilities.
• Pokhran- I:
  • About:
    • By the 1970s, India was capable of conducting a nuclear bomb test.
      • Pokhran-I was India's first nuclear bomb test conducted on May 18, 1974, at the Pokhran Test Range in Rajasthan.
    • It was code-named Smiling Buddha and officially described as a "peaceful nuclear explosion" with “few military implications”.
    • India became the 6^th country in the world to possess nuclear weapons capability after the US, Soviet Union, Britain, France and China.
  • Implications of Test:
    • The tests faced near-universal condemnation and significant sanctions especially from US and Canada.
      • It hindered India's progress in nuclear technology and slowed down its nuclear journey.
    • Domestic political instability, such as the Emergency of 1975 and opposition to nuclear weapons also hindered progress.
  • After Pokhran-I:
    • The 1980s saw a resurgence of interest in nuclear weapons development due to Pakistan's progress.
    • India increased funding for its missile program and expanded its plutonium stockpiles.
• Pokhran-II:
  • About:
    • Pokhran-II refers to a sequence of five nuclear bomb test explosions conducted by India on between 11-13^th May 1998 at Rajasthan's Pokhran desert.
    • Code name - Operation Shakti, this event marked India's 2^nd successful attempt.
  • Significance:
    • Pokhran-II cemented India's status as a nuclear power.
    • It demonstrated India's ability to possess and deploy nuclear weapons, thus enhancing its deterrence capabilities.
    • The Indian government led by Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee officially declared itself as a state possessing nuclear weapons following Pokhran-II.
  • Implication:
    • While the tests in 1998 also invited sanctions from some countries (like the US), the condemnation was far from universal like in 1974.
    • In context of India’s fast-growing economy and market potential, India was able to stand its ground and thus cement its status as a dominant nation state.
• India's Nuclear Doctrine:
  • India adopted a policy of credible minimum deterrence, stating that it would maintain a sufficient nuclear arsenal for deterrence purposes but would not engage in an arms race.
  • In 2003, India officially came out with its nuclear doctrine that clearly elaborated on the 'no first use' policy.
• India's Current Nuclear Capability:
  • India currently possesses approximately 160 nuclear warheads, according to the Federation of American Scientists (FAS).
  • India has achieved an operational nuclear triad capability, allowing for the launch of nuclear weapons from land, air, and sea.
    • The triad delivery systems include Agni, Prithvi, and K series ballistic missiles, fighter aircraft, and nuclear submarines.

What is India's Status on Various International Treaties about Nuclear Weapons?

• Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) 1968:
  • India is not a signatory; it declined to accede to the NPT, citing concerns about the treaty's perceived discriminatory nature and lack of reciprocal obligations from nuclear weapons states.
• Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT):
  • India has not signed the CTBT as it is a strong advocate for a time-bound disarmament commitment from nuclear weapon states (NWS) and may use the lack of a commitment as a reason to refrain from signing the CTBT.
• The Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW):
  • It entered into force on 22 January 2021 and India is not a member of this treaty.
• Nuclear Suppliers Group(NSG):
  • India is not a member of the NSG.
• Wassenaar Arrangement:
  • India joined the arrangement on December 2017 as its 42nd participating state.

UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year’s Question (PYQs)

Prelims

Q1. Consider the following countries: (2015)

1. China.
2. France
3. India
4. Israel
5. Pakistan

Which among the above are Nuclear Weapons States as recognized by the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, commonly known as Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT)?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1, 3, 4 and 5 only
(c) 2, 4 and 5 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

Ans: (a)

Q2. What is/are the consequence/consequences of a country becoming the member of the ‘Nuclear Suppliers Group’? (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

Ans: (a)

Mains

Q. With growing energy needs should India keep on expanding its nuclear energy programme? Discuss the facts and fears associated with nuclear energy. (2018)

Q. Give an account of the growth and development of nuclear science and technology in India. What is the advantage of fast breeder reactor programme in India? (2017)

Source: IE