<p>Every year since 1998, May 11 is observed as National Technology Day in India. The day is observed to celebrate and remember the historic nuclear tests by India in Pokhran. A dream that was formulated into a concrete programme by Homi Jehangir Bhaba in the 1950s was entirely fulfilled in 1988 by Dr APJ Abdul Kalam and his team.</p>

<p>The then-Prime Minister of India, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, called a press conference on May 11, 1998, and stunned the world with this announcement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“I have a brief announcement to make. Today, at 1545 hours, India conducted 3 underground nuclear tests in the Pokhran range. These tests conducted today were with a fission device, a low-yield device, and a thermonuclear device. The measured yields are in line with expected values. Measurements have also confirmed that there was no release of radioactivity into the atmosphere. These contained explosions like in the experiment conducted in May 1974. I warmly congratulate the scientists and engineers who have carried out the successful tests. Thank you very much indeed.”</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kenya-starvation-cult-massacre-investigators-exhume-21-more-bodies-death-toll-at-133-590874">Kenya starvation cult massacre: Investigators exhume 21 more bodies, toll rises to 133</a></p>

<p>Three nuclear devices were detonated simultaneously. Two additional tests took place on May 13 as well that proved to be fundamentally consequential for India’s regional as well as global relations, specifically with the United States.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Here is a look back to that day and everything that led to it:</p>

<p><strong>India was forced to conduct the 1998 nuclear tests</strong></p>

<p>India conducted its lone nuclear test in 1974 during the Indira Gandhi era, but after that single test, India took the path of what is dubbed as 'non-weaponised deterrence’. But in the 1990s, pressure on India to test came from three specific dimensions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The first dimension of pressure was from India’s neighbouring rival state, Pakistan and its already possessed intelligence of ready-made nuclear weapons. There were many reports at that time that showed China transferring these ready-made nuclear weapons to Pakistan to keep India in check. In addition to this, was US President George Bush’s refusal in 1990 to certify that Islamabad was trying to acquire nuclear weapons.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>The second pressure dimension was from the US itself. Washington’s push to close the path of nuclear weapon fabrication by extending the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) indefinitely to other countries, made India rejig its nuclear dream.&nbsp;<br />
The third pressure point was from specific efforts to ‘freeze, cap and roll back’ India and Pakistan’s nuclear weapons capability.&nbsp;</p>

<p>One more aspect was the return of Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s government into power in March 1998. The government immediately authorised the nuclear tests again. The same was even mentioned in the 1998 Election Manifesto of Bajpayee’s party to “exercise the option to induct nuclear weapons” besides the missile programme.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Playing hide-and-seek to pursue the nuclear dream</strong></p>

<p>The preparation of India’s effort to pursue its nuclear dream goes back to March 20, 1998. The Department of Atomic Energy chairman, R. Chidambaram and the DRDO head APJ Abdul Kalam was called by the newly-elected PM of India. PM Vajpayee gave the green signal to conduct the tests.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On May 1 of the same year, nuclear devices were flown from Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Mumbai to Jaisalmer Airport in Rajasthan. From Jaipur, 4 army trucks transported the devices and other equipment to a small city called Pokhran.&nbsp;</p>
<img alt="Pokhran-II tests" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="25ba6fda-93ef-4b60-b241-c3b5d2d7b2de" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202023-05-10T165320.610.png" />
<p>The 58th Engineer Regiment of the Indian Army was called for the task of maintaining the shafts in which nuclear devices, six in total, would be tested.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The commander of the 58th Engineer’s Regiment, Colonel Gopal Kaushik supervised the preparations and all the officers were ordered to maintain absolute secrecy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The shafts were dug out and all the members involved were asked to perform the assignment discreetly. Even the DRDO head A.P.J. Abdul Kalam and Chidambaram would wear army greens during their visit to Pokhran.</p>

<p>Also Read&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="wionews.com/india-news/apple-maker-foxconn-purchases-land-in-bengaluru-worth-37mn-to-increase-manufacturing-presence-in-india-590688">Apple maker Foxconn purchases land in Bengaluru worth $37mn, to increase manufacturing presence in India</a></p>

<p>The army would return all the equipment used at night to its original place to give an impression to the ever-prying satellites that they were never moved.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The people involved in the tests also used code names to counter the CIA’s spying on communication lines. Some of the code words used then were: White House, whiskey and even Taj Mahal.</p>

<p><strong>History made that led to international outrage</strong></p>

<p>As soon as the then PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee announced the successful testing of three nuclear tests, the Western world was shocked and surprised.</p>

<p>The Clinton Administration condemned the tests and said it was “deeply disappointed” and subsequently slapped sanctions against India. US Senator Richard Shelby had then said that the CIA’s failure to identify that these tests were going to take place was "the biggest failure of our intelligence gathering agencies in the past ten years or more”.</p>

<p>Despite protests by international as well as national entities, Vajpayee stood firm on his decision to carry out the Pokhran II tests.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Every year since 1998, May 11 is observed as National Technology Day in India. The day is observed to celebrate and remember the historic nuclear tests by India in Pokhran.

Every year since 1998, May 11 is observed as National Technology Day in India. The day is observed to celebrate and remember the historic nuclear tests by India in Pokhran. A dream that was formulated into a concrete programme by Homi Jehangir Bhaba in the 1950s was entirely fulfilled in 1988 by Dr APJ Abdul Kalam and his team. The then-Prime Minister of India, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, called a press conference on May 11, 1998, and stunned the world with this announcement. “I have a brief announcement to make. Today, at 1545 hours, India conducted 3 underground nuclear tests in the Pokhran range. These tests conducted today were with a fission device, a low-yield device, and a thermonuclear device. The measured yields are in line with expected values. Measurements have also confirmed that there was no release of radioactivity into the atmosphere. These contained explosions like in the experiment conducted in May 1974. I warmly congratulate the scientists and engineers who have carried out the successful tests. Thank you very much indeed.” Also Read | Kenya starvation cult massacre: Investigators exhume 21 more bodies, toll rises to 133 Three nuclear devices were detonated simultaneously. Two additional tests took place on May 13 as well that proved to be fundamentally consequential for India’s regional as well as global relations, specifically with the United States. Here is a look back to that day and everything that led to it: India was forced to conduct the 1998 nuclear tests India conducted its lone nuclear test in 1974 during the Indira Gandhi era, but after that single test, India took the path of what is dubbed as 'non-weaponised deterrence’. But in the 1990s, pressure on India to test came from three specific dimensions. The first dimension of pressure was from India’s neighbouring rival state, Pakistan and its already possessed intelligence of ready-made nuclear weapons. There were many reports at that time that showed China transferring these ready-made nuclear weapons to Pakistan to keep India in check. In addition to this, was US President George Bush’s refusal in 1990 to certify that Islamabad was trying to acquire nuclear weapons. Also Read | Delhi woman accused of beating mom-in-law to death with pressure cooker The second pressure dimension was from the US itself. Washington’s push to close the path of nuclear weapon fabrication by extending the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) indefinitely to other countries, made India rejig its nuclear dream. The third pressure point was from specific efforts to ‘freeze, cap and roll back’ India and Pakistan’s nuclear weapons capability. One more aspect was the return of Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s government into power in March 1998. The government immediately authorised the nuclear tests again. The same was even mentioned in the 1998 Election Manifesto of Bajpayee’s party to “exercise the option to induct nuclear weapons” besides the missile programme. Playing hide-and-seek to pursue the nuclear dream The preparation of India’s effort to pursue its nuclear dream goes back to March 20, 1998. The Department of Atomic Energy chairman, R. Chidambaram and the DRDO head APJ Abdul Kalam was called by the newly-elected PM of India. PM Vajpayee gave the green signal to conduct the tests. On May 1 of the same year, nuclear devices were flown from Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Mumbai to Jaisalmer Airport in Rajasthan. From Jaipur, 4 army trucks transported the devices and other equipment to a small city called Pokhran. The 58th Engineer Regiment of the Indian Army was called for the task of maintaining the shafts in which nuclear devices, six in total, would be tested. The commander of the 58th Engineer’s Regiment, Colonel Gopal Kaushik supervised the preparations and all the officers were ordered to maintain absolute secrecy. The shafts were dug out and all the members involved were asked to perform the assignment discreetly. Even the DRDO head A.P.J. Abdul Kalam and Chidambaram would wear army greens during their visit to Pokhran. Also Read | Apple maker Foxconn purchases land in Bengaluru worth $37mn, to increase manufacturing presence in India The army would return all the equipment used at night to its original place to give an impression to the ever-prying satellites that they were never moved. The people involved in the tests also used code names to counter the CIA’s spying on communication lines. Some of the code words used then were: White House, whiskey and even Taj Mahal. History made that led to international outrage As soon as the then PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee announced the successful testing of three nuclear tests, the Western world was shocked and surprised. The Clinton Administration condemned the tests and said it was “deeply disappointed” and subsequently slapped sanctions against India. US Senator Richard Shelby had then said that the CIA’s failure to identify that these tests were going to take place was "the biggest failure of our intelligence gathering agencies in the past ten years or more”. Despite protests by international as well as national entities, Vajpayee stood firm on his decision to carry out the Pokhran II tests. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

National Technology Day: 25 years of historic Pokhran-II nuclear tests

<p>SonyLIV series Rocket Boys Season 2 will soon premiere on the OTT platform. The makers of the show recently shared a new trailer online, which gives a glimpse of the new chapter in Indian scientists Dr Homi J Bhabha and Dr Vikram Sarabhai's professional lives.</p>

<p>This time, the series will show how India became a nuclear nation and how scientists conducted the nuclear bomb test in Pokhran in May 1974. Both Jim Sarbh and Ishwak Singh, who had won praise for their performances in the first season, will reprise their roles as Bhabha and Sarabhai, respectively.</p>

<p>Apart from a blast, we got&nbsp;a glimpse of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, who was serving as the country's Prime Minister at the time the first nuclear test was conducted. Arjun Radhakrishnan was also seen playing a young and enthusiastic APJ Abdul Kalam in the trailer.</p>

<p>"Amidst global conflict and enemies charging our borders, India becoming a nuclear nation was the only deterrent to imminent threats of war. Witness the incredible journey of India's greatest scientists shaping a new era where no one dared to challenge their country's sovereignty.&nbsp;Rocket Boys 2 will soon stream exclusively on Sony LIV!" the post's caption read. Check it out below!</p>

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<p>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-hardik-pandya-and-natasa-stankovic-to-re-marry-and-renew-vows-in-udaipur-on-this-date-561146">Hardik Pandya and Natasa Stankovic to re-marry and renew vows in Udaipur on THIS date</a></p>

<p>'Rocket Boys 2' is created by Nikkhil Advani, Roy Kapur Films &amp; Emmay Entertainment.</p>

<p>Written and directed by Abhay Pannu, the series is&nbsp;produced by Siddharth Roy Kapur, Monisha Advani, and Madhu Bhojwani.&nbsp;The show features an ensemble star cast, which includes Jim Sarbh, Ishwak Singh, Arjun Radhakrishnan, Regina Cassandra, Rajat Kapur, Dibyendu Bhattacharya, Namit Das and Saba Azad in pivotal roles.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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SonyLIV series Rocket Boys Season 2 will soon premiere on the OTT platform. The makers of the show recently shared a new trailer online, which gives a glimpse of the new chapter in Indian scientists Dr Homi J Bhabha and Dr Vikram Sarabhai's professional lives.

SonyLIV series Rocket Boys Season 2 will soon premiere on the OTT platform. The makers of the show recently shared a new trailer online, which gives a glimpse of the new chapter in Indian scientists Dr Homi J Bhabha and Dr Vikram Sarabhai's professional lives. This time, the series will show how India became a nuclear nation and how scientists conducted the nuclear bomb test in Pokhran in May 1974. Both Jim Sarbh and Ishwak Singh, who had won praise for their performances in the first season, will reprise their roles as Bhabha and Sarabhai, respectively. Apart from a blast, we got a glimpse of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, who was serving as the country's Prime Minister at the time the first nuclear test was conducted. Arjun Radhakrishnan was also seen playing a young and enthusiastic APJ Abdul Kalam in the trailer. "Amidst global conflict and enemies charging our borders, India becoming a nuclear nation was the only deterrent to imminent threats of war. Witness the incredible journey of India's greatest scientists shaping a new era where no one dared to challenge their country's sovereignty. Rocket Boys 2 will soon stream exclusively on Sony LIV!" the post's caption read. Check it out below! View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sony LIV (@sonylivindia) Also read: Hardik Pandya and Natasa Stankovic to re-marry and renew vows in Udaipur on THIS date 'Rocket Boys 2' is created by Nikkhil Advani, Roy Kapur Films & Emmay Entertainment. Written and directed by Abhay Pannu, the series is produced by Siddharth Roy Kapur, Monisha Advani, and Madhu Bhojwani. The show features an ensemble star cast, which includes Jim Sarbh, Ishwak Singh, Arjun Radhakrishnan, Regina Cassandra, Rajat Kapur, Dibyendu Bhattacharya, Namit Das and Saba Azad in pivotal roles. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Rocket Boys 2 new trailer: Ishwak Singh, Jim Sarbh bring you the story of Pokhran nuclear test

<p>Pakistan&nbspclaimed it was forced to test nuclear weapons two decades ago due to hostile posturing&nbspby India.</p>

<p>Foreign Office spokesman Mohammad Faisal issued a statement on the eve of the 20th anniversary of the May 28, 1998, nuclear tests, while insisting that the testing of atomic bombs by India eliminated chances of a nuclear weapons-free South Asia.</p>

<p>Pakistan was forced to take that decision as a response, in self-defence, to the nuclear tests and accompanying hostile posturing by its neighbour. These developments, unfortunately, put an end to the prospect for keeping South Asia free of nuclear weapons - an objective which Pakistan had actively pursued,&nbsphe said, hinting at India.</p>

<p>India conducted a series of five nuclear bomb test explosions at the Pokhran in May 1998, which was soon followed by Pakistan's tests.</p>

<p>The spokesman said that despite the nuclear testing, Pakistan remained steadfast in its commitment to non-proliferation and global peace and strategic stability and demonstrated utmost restraint and responsibility in the stewardship of its nuclear capability since 1998.</p>

<p>It is committed to the principle of credible minimum deterrence and has persistently sought deterrence stability in the region,&nbsphe said.</p>

<p>Faisal also said that this objective has driven Pakistan to offer and conclude several confidence-building measures (CBMs) in the nuclear and conventional domains, including the 2004 Pakistan-India Joint Statement which recognised the respective nuclear capabilities of the two countries as a factor for stability.</p>

<p>He said that as one of the most affected countries due to the impact of climate change, Pakistan plans to increase its nuclear power generation capacity to 40,000 MW by 2050, as a clean and cost-effective alternative to fossil fuel.</p>

<p>Pakistan has consistently signalled its willingness to consider further measures for risk reduction and avoidance of arms race in the region, according to the spokesman.</p>

<p>He also said that Pakistan was confident of its ability to deny space for any misadventure against the backdrop of rapidly expanding nuclear and conventional forces in its neighbourhood and pursuit of aggressive security doctrines and developing force postures.</p>

<p>The nuclearisation of the Indian Ocean and canesterisation of ballistic missiles in our neighbourhood should be a matter of concern for the international community as well since these developments have extra-regional ramifications,? he said.</p>

<p>He said Pakistan while recognising its responsibilities, had developed over the years a robust command and control system led by the National Command Authority, and effective nuclear safety and security regimes and export controls.</p>

<p>He said Pakistan looked forward to expanding the scope of its international collaboration in nuclear power generation for meeting the legitimate socio-economic development needs of its people.</p>

<p>As a country with advanced nuclear technology, Pakistan seeks to play its role as a mainstream partner in the global non-proliferation regime,&nbsphe said.</p>

<p>He said Pakistan had expressed desire to join the multilateral export control regimes and already applied for participation in the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) based on non-discriminatory criteria applicable in a fair manner to all non-NPT states.&nbsp</p>


India conducted a series of five nuclear bomb test explosions at the Pokhran in May 1998, which was soon followed by Pakistan's tests

Pakistan&nbspclaimed it was forced to test nuclear weapons two decades ago due to hostile posturing&nbspby India. Foreign Office spokesman Mohammad Faisal issued a statement on the eve of the 20th anniversary of the May 28, 1998, nuclear tests, while insisting that the testing of atomic bombs by India eliminated chances of a nuclear weapons-free South Asia. Pakistan was forced to take that decision as a response, in self-defence, to the nuclear tests and accompanying hostile posturing by its neighbour. These developments, unfortunately, put an end to the prospect for keeping South Asia free of nuclear weapons - an objective which Pakistan had actively pursued,&nbsphe said, hinting at India. India conducted a series of five nuclear bomb test explosions at the Pokhran in May 1998, which was soon followed by Pakistan's tests. The spokesman said that despite the nuclear testing, Pakistan remained steadfast in its commitment to non-proliferation and global peace and strategic stability and demonstrated utmost restraint and responsibility in the stewardship of its nuclear capability since 1998. It is committed to the principle of credible minimum deterrence and has persistently sought deterrence stability in the region,&nbsphe said. Faisal also said that this objective has driven Pakistan to offer and conclude several confidence-building measures (CBMs) in the nuclear and conventional domains, including the 2004 Pakistan-India Joint Statement which recognised the respective nuclear capabilities of the two countries as a factor for stability. He said that as one of the most affected countries due to the impact of climate change, Pakistan plans to increase its nuclear power generation capacity to 40,000 MW by 2050, as a clean and cost-effective alternative to fossil fuel. Pakistan has consistently signalled its willingness to consider further measures for risk reduction and avoidance of arms race in the region, according to the spokesman. He also said that Pakistan was confident of its ability to deny space for any misadventure against the backdrop of rapidly expanding nuclear and conventional forces in its neighbourhood and pursuit of aggressive security doctrines and developing force postures. The nuclearisation of the Indian Ocean and canesterisation of ballistic missiles in our neighbourhood should be a matter of concern for the international community as well since these developments have extra-regional ramifications,? he said. He said Pakistan while recognising its responsibilities, had developed over the years a robust command and control system led by the National Command Authority, and effective nuclear safety and security regimes and export controls. He said Pakistan looked forward to expanding the scope of its international collaboration in nuclear power generation for meeting the legitimate socio-economic development needs of its people. As a country with advanced nuclear technology, Pakistan seeks to play its role as a mainstream partner in the global non-proliferation regime,&nbsphe said. He said Pakistan had expressed desire to join the multilateral export control regimes and already applied for participation in the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) based on non-discriminatory criteria applicable in a fair manner to all non-NPT states.

Pakistan says was forced to test nukes in 1998 due to 'hostile posturing' by India