The breakthrough moment About The 1998 Pokhran II Nuclear Tests Which Paved Way for India to become a Superpower

1998 marked an event that changed the way the world perceived India, forever. The successful Pokhran II nuclear tests put India on the map as a nuclear superpower and hence, a force to be reckoned with! What fascinates us more than the secrecy of the operation is the fact that the authorities were able to achieve this incredible feat with limited resources, that too under the CIA’s nose. The measures they took to keep the operation undercover, to this day, leave people in awe.

To celebrate the heroes behind this successful endeavor, we decided to compile a list of all the inspiring anecdotes from the launch that showed the world that India is just not the country you mess around with. 

What happened after Pokhran II Nuclear tests

The United States imposed sanctions on India, cutting off all aid except humanitarian assistance. The then President Bill Clinton signed official papers imposing the measures on India for carrying out nuclear tests. The two new nuclear explosions drew further world condemnation. Pakistan had bitterly condemned the latest Indian tests. Pakistani Foreign Minister Gohar Ayub Khan had said the Indian leadership seemed to have gone berserk and was acting in a totally unrestrained way.

How India managed to fool CIA

What made the nuclear tests stand out was the manner inwhich India outsmart US and CIA. All the five tests went undetected under the nose of CIA. DRDO officials carefully examined the timing of the satellite positions over India and worked only at night when chances of detection were very low. The scientists worked in army uniforms during day. In fact, pot-nellied scientists were not included in the team so that they can gel with the pfysically fit soldiers. CIA later admitted their failure to predict India’s big nuclear tests.

“Pokhran II- Proof of India’s Nuclear Prowess”

On April 29 this year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed Pokhran-II nuclear tests carried out 20 years ago saying it established India’s nuclear prowess in the world. “On May 11, 1998, at India’s western end a nuclear test was conducted in Pokhran, Rajasthan. It has been 20 years since Pokhran and this test was done on Buddha Purnima with the blessings of Lord Buddha. India’s test was not only successful but in a way, India had demonstrated its might in the field of science and technology.

We can also say the date has been engraved in the history of India as a demonstration of its military power,” PM Modi had said in his monthly radio address “Mann Ki Baat”.

The prime minister pointed out that Lord Buddha had said that inner strength was necessary to live in peace and India, too, acquired nuclear strength to live in peace.

How the Nuclear Bomb making Process  unfolded!

1. They built hydrogen bombs, right under the CIA’s nose

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2. Their camouflaging techniques fooled even the CIA’s satellites 

3. They used risque code names throughout the operation 

4. Scientists traveled to the test site under pseudonyms

5. They would work in the late hours of the night to avoid suspicion

6. They even aligned the heaps of sand in the direction of the wind!

I don’t know about you, but my chest is welling up with pride! TBH, that was the feeling I got when I saw Parmanu: The Story of Pokhran for the first time. Zee Cinema is airing the World TV Premiere of the film on 15th August. Watch the movie to know more about India’s superpower moment! 

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Reference: scoopwhoop