17 Days That Shook The World : Pokhran 1998

[Chanakyaa]

17 Days in May : Chronology of Indian nuclear weapons tests

3 February: Bharatiya Janata Party releases its manifesto for the February-March Indian elections. In the manifesto, the party pledges to “exercise the nuclear option” and “declare India a nuclear weapon state” after coming to power.

4 March: BJP-led coalition wins the largest block of parliamentary seats with a total of 270 out of 545 seats.

18 March: BJP wins vote of confidence in parliament with 274 votes cast in its favour and 261 cast against it. The same day, the party adopts “National Agenda for Governance”, in which it promises to establish a National Security Council to undertake India’s first strategic defense review, re-evaluate India’s nuclear policy, and exercise the option to induct nuclear weapons.

19 March: Prime minister Atal Behari Vajpaee declares India will induct nuclear weapons only if necessary.

21 March: Defence minister George Fernandes announces that the decision to induct nuclear weapons will depend upon a thorough strategic review to be undertaken by India’s National Security Council.

26 March: Foreign minister Gohar Ayub Khan appeals to the world community that it should impose sanctions against India in order to contain its nuclear ambitions. His statement comes a week after The New York Times quotes Western intelligence sources that “India has stockpiled about 100 nuclear warheads, and can rapidly assemble them.”

2 April: Prime minister Nawaz Sharif addresses letters to world leaders, including president Clinton, drawing their intention to India’s pronouncements which “connote a giant leap towards fully operationalizing Indian nuclear capability.” He also warns them that “Pakistan will be obliged to take cognizance of these alarming developments, and it cannot but exercise its sovereign right to adopt appropriate measures to safeguard its security.”

5 April: India unveils a new supercomputer, Param 10,000, that is able to simulate nuclear test-explosions.

21 April: Indian army chief General Ved Malik openly demands a nuclear and missile deterrent for India.

23 April: Defence minister Fernandes revives the Defence Minister’s Committee to directly involve the armed services chiefs of staff in the national security decision-making process. His scientific advisor Abdul Kalam makes a presentation before the committee, which discusses India’s threat perceptions and possible future course of action.

24 April: N N Jha, convener of the Foreign affairs Committee of the BJP, declares that India’s National Security Council may examine the option to induct nuclear weapons into the armed forces on the basis of laboratory testing.

25 April: Pakistan warns the international community that India is softening world opinion before openly deploying nuclear weapons.
4 May: Defence minister Fernandes declares that China is India’s “potential threat number one”. He says that if the defense review leads the government to believe that India should exercise its nuclear option, then India will do so.

5 May: India expands its Atomic Energy Commission (AEC). The new members are: Dr Raja Ramanna, former AEC chairman, Brajesh Mishra, principal secretary, and Professor S R Jashim, member of the Planning Commission.

11 May: India conducts three nuclear explosions at its Pokhran nuclear test-site. These include a fission-device, a low-yield device, and a thermonuclear device. Prime minister Vajpaee declares that the yields from the explosions are “in line with expected values.” “The people of India now have a credible nuclear deterrent,” it is officially stated.



12 May: BJP’s new president Kushabhau Thakre asserts that India will not give in to “blackmail” by any country and take whatever steps necessary for its security.

13 May: India conducts tests of two sub-kiloton nuclear devices at Pokhran, which, the government states, complete its “planned series of nuclear explosions.”

14 May: BJP president Thakre says, “There is no room for any concern because of the blasts, all that India wants is to have its territories vacated.” Prime minister Vajpaee says India is ready to face sanctions. “If such steps are taken, then we Indians will face it. We are ready for any difficulty.” In a public opinion poll, majority Indians favour the country’s nuclear build-up.

The BJP calls for nation-wide celebrations on May 16 to mark India’s entry into the Nuclear Club. Congress-I president Sonia Gandhi tacitly supports the nuclear explosions by saying “the nuclear question is a national matter” and, on this, “every Indian is united.” But, anti-nuclear activists in India say they are disappointed by the public euphoria over the nuclear tests and the lack of public awareness about the dangers of nuclear arms race. The UN Security Council also “strongly deplores” Indian nuclear tests.

15 May: India Today quotes prime minister Vajpaee as saying India has a “big bomb.” This is widely interpreted to mean that India has formally declared itself to be a nuclear weapon state. Vajpaee also says that India will use nuclear weapons in case of any external “aggression.”

16 May: BJP celebrates “National Day of Pride.” Celebrations at 139 Mandals across Delhi are marked by the presence of party leaders, distribution of sweets among the jubilant crowd, and display of fireworks. Meanwhile, anti-nuclear campaigners hold protest rallies in the Capital, carrying placards: “We want ‘roti’ and ‘pani’ not ‘bombs’, the nation’s priorities are misplaced.” Prominent Indian scholars and writers—including Kuldip Nayyar, Rajni Kothari, Medha Patkar, Praful Bidwai, Achin Vinayak, Bittu Sehgal, Ravi Agarwal, Nityanand Jayaraman—condemn nuclear tests, saying the “need today was not to enter the club of five nations but to get out of the club of ten least socially developed countries. In a joint statement, they say: “We strongly condemn India’s recent nuclear testing, the aggressive jingoism unleashed by it and the insecurity caused by it in the region. Nuclear weapons cause trans-generational and large-scale destruction…It is shameful that we should celebrate an achievement that announces to the world that India is now capable of killing millions of people with nuclear weapons.”

17 May: India’s top scientists confirm India has become a nuclear weapon state, and that the five nuclear tests at Pokhran were a “culmination of a “weaponisation programme” jointly undertaken by the defense and atomic energy establishment. “The nuclear tests have boosted the confidence of the nation,” says prime minister Vajpaee.

18 May: L K Advani, home minister and former BJP president, warns Pakistan “to roll back its anti-India policy, especially with regards to Kashmir.” He announces the government’s new “pro-active” approach to “deal firmly and strongly with Pakistan’s hostile designs and activities in Kashmir.” “India’s decisive step to become a nuclear weapon state has brought about a qualitatively new stage in Indo-Pak relations, particularly in finding a lasting solution to the Kashmir problem,” says Advani, adding: “Islamabad should realise the change in the geo-strategic situation.” Vishwa Hindu Parishad announces its plan to build a shrine, ‘Shakti Peeth’ (abode of cosmic energy) near the site of the five nuclear explosions in Rajhastan.

19 May: BJP spokesman Krishan Lal Sharma warns Pakistan that it will pay a heavy price for “fuelling the conflict” in Kashmir. “Time has come when the government should take a tough stand and foil Pakistan’s attempts to stoke militancy,” he says. The United States warns India not to disturb the status quo on the Line of Control, saying “we urge both countries to respect it and refrain from provocative actions.”

20 May: Home minister Advani says India is determined to quell proxy war by Pakistan against “our nation. “Until now, India’s policy to make such provocation has been essentially reactive. But it has been decided that further misadventure on Indian territory shall be dealt with enough provocative basis.”

22 May: BJP spokesman Sharma again warns Pakistan that “if it continues with its anti-India policy, Pakistan should be prepared for India’s wrath.”

23 May: Prime minister Nawaz Sharif warns India against any “misadventure”, which, he adds, “will meet a resolute response….Any act that Pakistan takes will be in the supreme national interest.” The same day, Advani is given the charge of Kashmir affairs.

24 May: Farooq Abdullah, chief minister of the disputed Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir, says, “a major offensive against foreign mercenaries in the State will start soon.” BJP president Thakre says the nuclear tests were staged out of “necessity.”

25 May: “India is a nuclear weapon state despite the refusal of the United States and others to accept it as one,” says prime minister Vajpaee. “Let me repeat, India is a nuclear weapon state. Definition constraints reflecting a three-decade old situation need to come to terms with this reality.”

26 May: Defence minister Fernandes says moratorium (on nuclear tests, declared some days after the May 13 nuclear tests) will not affect nuclear weaponisation.

27 May: Prime minister Vajpaee strongly defends Indian nuclear weapons option and BJP’s hawkish posture towards Kashmir in the Lok Sabha, where many opposition leaders term India’s bomb as “BJP bomb.” At midnight, Pakistan fears an air-strike on its nuclear installations and, in order to prevent it, contacts Permanent Members of the Security Council and warns India of dire consequences.

28 May: Pakistan conducts five nuclear tests.

HOW INDIA FOOLED US INTELLIGENCE​

It is very rare to find that main leaders across different parties agreeing to the same thing in the interest of the nation. Such was the time we lived in. One also needs to take note that Vajpayee, Advani and Indira Gandhi - all co-operated with each other and stood as one. Very rare is the fact that opposition party leaders praise so vividly at the ruling govt.

Since 1974, Rajiv Gandhi, V.P.Singh and finally Narasimha Rao secretly planned for nuclear weaponisation. Narasimha Rao, in particular, wanted India to join the world elite in even tougher terms. It was Narasimha Rao who actually went ahead with the tests in 1995. Unfortunately, CIA spy satellites detected the activity and warned India of sanctions. Now, Narasimha Rao must be appreciated because he had the guts to give a green signal with topmost priority to DRDO. He was running a minority government and any sanctions or unpopular reaction could have adversely affected Indian economy and politics. Moreover India had just then begun to get rid of economic Crisis. So, he stepped back.

In 1996, he again went ahead, but this time a team of CIA and US Diplomats personally came and gave evidences and explained that they were able to detect the same. What is not clear even for CIA till now and they refuse to reveal to public is the question whether US Ambassador Wisner in 1996 revealed technical details of spy satellites to DRDO scientists or no. Any reader at this point will only say - US can't do this at all, It's a myth. Even assuming it's a myth it's not a joke for an event that took place later when Vajpayee came to power when Indians knew how they could deceive CIA spy satellites. The top DRDO officials give certain details of what they did. I am also sure they did this in this manner only after Vajpayee gave them instructions. Otherwise no organization can do take such a big step to execute in a covert manner without the agreement of the Government. And hence in this context I appreciate Vajpayee and his team.

Later that year, Vajpayee came to power. He ordered tests to go through. But 2 days later, the Government fell. The plan stopped there. Now CTBT was signed by 149 countries. It forced India also to sign, but never did India sign. Next, Deve Gowda was the PM and what else can you expect from this politician? There was no progress,whatsoever. Even I.K.Gujral never wanted to test as he believed it was not in India's interest.

Finally, in 1998, Vajpayee Govt came to power with majority. On Mar 7th, Vajpayee was made the PM.

Around Mar 19th, Nawaz Sharif sent an international message about possibility of nuclear test by India. This was sent mainly because in all media, BJP announced that making India nuclear is their priority. But no one knew with what intensity was India really going ahead except for these few people mentioned above.

On Mar 20- just barely 13 days after being in power (This is what I call - demonstration of commitmment in making India strong in the world. He did not sit and enjoy the power. Usually everyone has a honeymoon after they come to Government, Vajpayee did not. Such a demonstration was seen earlier by Indira Gandhi and Sardar Patel), Vajpayee asked 3 people - DRDO chief Kalam, Atomic Energy Chief Chidambaram and BARC Chief Anil Kakodkar were called to South Block. The only other people present were National Security Advisor Brajesh Mishra, L.k. Advani and Vajpayee himself. No one else knew this secret meeting. It was strictly confidential. Vajpayee asked about preparations of a nuclear test and asked the top scientists to get into ready mode. It is a well known fact that we were ready long before, but Vajpayee wanted to cross check and confirm everything.

On April 6, 1998, Pakistan test fired GHAURI missile which has the penetration range of 1500 km (while that of India's Agni is 2500 km). Vajpayee was subdued and he now wanted something very quick. Brajesh Mishra told Vajpayee it is now the question of India's credibility.

On April 8th, 2 days after the Ghauri test firing by Pakistan, Vajpayee asked again for a secret meeting with Kalam, Chidambaram and Anil Kakodkar. He gave them "green-signal" as he was disturbed by Pakistan and Chinese help in it. Kalam writes that it was one of those happiest moments as he got to demonstrate what skills India had.

By April 27th (which was the first agreed date to conduct tests), Chidambaram had to attend his daughter's marriage. Now, in obvious terms if he was not there in his own daughter's marriage, it would have lead to suspicion. Hence the test date was postponed.

At this point I would say only one thing. Such operations are usually done in such a clandestine manner, but the fact that only selected people in the Government were informed of it and the world never knew about this is amazing. Vajpayee truly wanted to surprise the world as he knew if the world knew, it would stop him. Even the then Defense Minister, George Fernandes did not knew this.

On May 7th, The equipment was taken out of BARC(Baba Atomic Research Center), Mumbai and was flown to Jaisalmer Airport and then taken via trucks to Pokhran. By 1995-96, underground camps were made to keep such equipment. In Jodhpur, a team of handpicked scientists from DRDO and DAE held a meeting to conduct the tests in Pokhran. The President, Venkataraman Narayanan was touring Latin America. It was only he apart from the mentioned above people who were appraised of the test
preparation.

The only problem which both DRDO and Vajpayee compounded was how to trick or deceive CIA spy satellites. Vajpayee was also aware of the grave economic sanctions as a consequence of the test and the fact that CIA spy satellites hover around India. So, there was hectic discussion going on about this between these selected top officials.

The top DRDO officials carefully determined the timing of satellite position over India and decided to do activity only at the time when it is not over it. One needs to understand the fact that CIA was spying so intensely was a fact known to India in 1996. It was very essential to deceive because on one side was self-pride and need to prove our capability and on the other not to bow down to the great powers in doing what we think is right. India had to bow down to such pressures in 1995 and 1996 and now no way Vajpayee wanted to be stopped and blackmailed by US.

If one goes by what CIA veteran J. Ransom Clark (25 years experience in CIA) remarked it is clear that Indian scientists knew that every 6 hours in a day the satellites were spying and it was at those times when it was not hovering around, the activity took place.

Only breaking of the fence and presence of bulldozer was the activity detected by spy satellites. This was 6 hours before the actual test took place (9:47 am on May 11th Indian Time, 00:17 in Eastern Standard Time).

Even Santhanam who was the top DRDO scientist personally in the team of Abdul Kalam also revealed in a leading magazine just a few days ago about the deception. He says

"The logic was simple: as the Pokhran range was swarming with army personnel, we decided to dress in battle fatigues so as not to raise unnecessary eyebrows. Since it was a border area, there was a high likelihood of informers in the place.

Scientists in trousers would have attracted unwanted attention. Some scientists were also potbellied. The locals would not have thought them to be soldiers, who are a fit and sprightly lot. All this was done to avoid the stealthy gaze of spy satellites, particularly the American ones. Compared to the 1974 tests, we were more knowledgeable about surveillance systems.

That's why we avoided any movement during the satellite hours. We normally worked at night and carried on till the small hours without any sleep. Chances of detection in the night are zero and the quality of satellite images is very bad.One month of tiring, sleepless nights paid off in the late afternoon of May 11. The earth trembled a little. As the blasts were in a shaft deep down, we couldn't feel much. I called it a bum tickle."

The above image shows the nuclear scientists clad in soldiers' outfit so that there is no suspicion by any local people (many of whom could be spies to Pakistan).

At 3:43:44.2 pm local Indian time {10:13:44.2 UCT (+/-0.32 sec; 6:13:44.2 a.m. EDT} as measured by international seismic monitors, the test took place. Kalam telephoned Vajpayee. Advani cheered along with Vajpayee and Kalam. This is no less than a Hollywood movie in which they show the President elated after seeing some acts done by his research and defense teams.


Just 2 minutes later, at 3:45 pm- Vajpayee announced to the world - "We are now a nuclear weapons country. We have the bomb". The news was so powerful that the entire world was shocked. Like a giant meteor that hit the Earth, the announcement hit the ears of everyone - domestic and international.

Later on May 13, the world was further surprised by 2 more tests and finally ceased the tests. Even this went unnoticed.

Sometimes we need to speak only when we are done. But, Vajpayee spoke on May 11th just to tell people that there is no further intention to carry out tests and tricked them further. On May 13th the final announcement was made.

 

[Chanakyaa]

INDIAN HYDROGEN BOMB : SHAKTI - 1

 

[Chanakyaa]

WE CAN SEE YOU TOO....

 

[RPK]

Online NewsHour: Indian Nuclear Testing -- May 12, 1998


JIM LEHRER: And now to the Indian ambassador to the United States, Naresh Chandra.

Mr. Ambassador, welcome, sir. Did your government anticipate the strong negative reaction to these tests?

Amb. ChandraNARESH CHANDRA, Ambassador, India: Well, there is always anticipation of this type of reaction. I don't recall a test in recent history which did not evoke this kind of criticism, even the ones which were conducted in 1995 and 1996.

JIM LEHRER: Why was it done so suddenly? Why was the world taken by surprise and nobody knew about it ahead of time?

NARESH CHANDRA: You see there are two contexts. One is--when you do strategic decision making you have to a long-term perspective. I think when it comes to nuclear capability of any kind, the time span is 1945 to '98 or 2000. Now we conducted our last test in 1974. So a second test done after 24 years might not be called sudden in that context. But if you have to do it, it was always a surprise most of the time.

LehrerJIM LEHRER: Now, why was it so important to do this testing, Mr. Ambassador, so important to your country?

Building a "nuclear deterrent capability."

NARESH CHANDRA: Well, you see, the--we have been thinking for some time that our national defense effort requires certain deterrent capability, especially in view of the security scenario in our neighborhood. We have a neighbor to our North, which has a very substantial nuclear arsenal. We also have a neighbor to our West, and they have a very deep kind of relationship.

JIM LEHRER: We're talking about China and Pakistan.

NARESH CHANDRA: Well, yes. And they have cooperation in the military field, including nuclear capability, as well as missile development. And recent events convinced us that it appears that such capability as India possesses because of the restraint exercised by us for 24 years, it was being assumed that we are not really serious about it, and since we have paid a heavy price for not signing the MPT and BCTBT.

JIM LEHRER: Those are those two test ban treaties.

Amb. ChandraNARESH CHANDRA: Yes. Nonproliferation treaties--test ban treaty.

JIM LEHRER: And test ban, right.

"I think it was time that we demonstrated our updated technological capability in this area. And that is all that has been done."

NARESH CHANDRA: It is because we feel very strongly that situated as we are in South Asia and considering the neighborhood that we have; Indian armed forces must have a back up deterrent capability of this kind. Now, if you have this capability, better be credible and effective. Otherwise, we were being subjected to criticism that our so-called nuclear option is on artificial life support. And if things went on as before, our neighbors might think that India is of no military consequence at all. I think it was time that we demonstrated our updated technological capability in this area. And that is all that has been done. There is a slight aggravation because we are not calling these tests PNE, a peaceful nuclear explosion. It is to demonstrate that we can make nuclear weapons if we want to, but we are still away from a decision to induct nuclear weapons into our military arsenal. We have not done that.

JIM LEHRER: You have no nuclear weapons now?

NARESH CHANDRA: No.

LeherJIM LEHRER: But these tests were designed to show Pakistan and China that you could do it if you wanted to?

NARESH CHANDRA: Well, to everybody, I don't think--I don't like to give the impression as if they count our neighbors as special adversaries in a special category. But they are in our neighborhood, therefore, important. But our overall policy is to improve relations. We have an ongoing dialogue with China, which is very useful, and we are committed to improving our relations with China. And we are hoping we'll be able to resume our talks at foreign secretary level with Pakistan also because we know we have to live in cooperation and peace in that area.

JIM LEHRER: And so your government's judgment was that you could not have peaceful relations with China and Pakistan without demonstrating to them that you have the capability of constructing and using nuclear weapons?

NARESH CHANDRA: That is substantially correct. I think the type of government. We have the type of people. We are a strong India, a force for peace and stability in Asia. And we are convinced that if we allow a substantial gap to remain in our defense machinery and difference preparedness, it is not good for peace and stability of the future.

JIM LEHRER: Now, what about the U.S. sanctions that have to go into effect automatically now? They involve things like World Bank loans being withdrawn, halting bank credits, forbidding the sale of military equipment and technology, among other things. Is it going to hurt your country?

Working out an arrangement with the U.S.

ChandraNARESH CHANDRA: Well, it is--it will affect the pointers that U.S. laws are there. And what we are attempting to do is to enter into dialogue, work out an arrangement and certain conditions which might persuade Congress to grant a waiver, which is provided. I know that there is no automatic presidential waiver provided under this Act, but there is a mechanism. Now, we have--and my government has indicated openings for advancing the--the disarmament agent. There is a lot of area in which India and U.S. can work together and come to some understanding so that the need for further tests is eliminated. And we have made that offer.

JIM LEHRER: What about, for instance, the foreign minister of Russia today, Mr. Primakov, said that, "Our friend, India, let us down?" There have been all kinds of--China withdrew--I mean, Canada withdrew its ambassador as well, and there were statements like that from all over the world. How do you feel about this, this reaction generally?

NARESH CHANDRA: Part of it is quite natural. You see what happens is that strategic decision making is at a much higher level and in a much longer context. And you have a lower level, which may be called the transactional level, where interlocutors from both sites are engaged in serious negotiation. Now, these interlocutors are not aware when a certain decision is going to take place, and they cannot possibly be kept informed all the time. In one sentence, the world knew that we have a nuclear option. We have not signed the NPT or the CTBT, so it is--we are perfectly within our legal rights to conduct a test. But when we actually at a very high level take this decision, go forward, and then we take a decision not to withdraw, the interlocutors on both sides are taken by surprise. So there is an element of not having been Lehrertaken into confidence. And there is a sudden fall in credibility which I think is largely superficial. If people examine it in-depth, you will find that Indian negotiators have been sincere, particularly our talks with the U.S. have been going very well, and we are hopeful that we will not allow this to cause undue stress on the flow of the strategic dialogue, which we find very beneficial.

JIM LEHRER: Some people have suggested that the military strategy aspects aside, that another message that your country wanted to send to the world was we are an equal major power in this world; we are like the United States; we are like Russia; we are like China; we have the right to have nuclear weapons if we want it--want them. Is that a good reading as well?

"So to an extent I think this is giving vent to a certain feeling that all Indians have that we are yet to find our right rightful place in the family of nations."


ChandraNARESH CHANDRA: Well, to an extent. You take a nation which is capable of contributing in so many fields--art, culture, industry, computer software, the sciences--you have them go out and flourish in various other countries. We have very high values to offer. We are on the go. Our rate of economic development has been good, and we are going to be a major power, and then we are one billion people, nearly one billion. Now, to think that such a nation will not have aspirations to secure its rightful place in the family of nations, I think, would not be doing justice to people of this kind and of such large numbers. So to an extent I think this is a--giving vent to a certain feeling that all Indians have that we are yet to find our right rightful place in the family of nations.

JIM LEHRER: Mr. Ambassador, thank you very much.

NARESH CHANDRA: Thank you very much.

 

[TATA]

It was the worst decision by BJP for votes.

After it pakistan came out in open and every now or then pakistan blackmail India that if we take any action against terrorist camps on their soil etc. it will be a Nuclear war.

What India gained from this = nothing as still many fingers are raising on its success.

What pakistan have benefited = trump card for blackmailing not only India but also the world. By spreading fera of nuke war.

 

[Devianz]

It was the worst decision by BJP for votes.

After it pakistan came out in open and every now or then pakistan blackmail India that if we take any action against terrorist camps on their soil etc. it will be a Nuclear war.

What India gained from this = nothing as still many fingers are raising on its success.

What pakistan have benefited = trump card for blackmailing not only India but also the world. By spreading fera of nuke war.

No, It was the correct decision. Everyone knew we had the bomb as we had already tested it before. Our test compelled Pakistan to come out in the open and show what they got. No one can develop nuclear device in a couple of days.

 

[deckingraj]

It was the worst decision by BJP for votes.

After it pakistan came out in open and every now or then pakistan blackmail India that if we take any action against terrorist camps on their soil etc. it will be a Nuclear war.

What India gained from this = nothing as still many fingers are raising on its success.

What pakistan have benefited = trump card for blackmailing not only India but also the world. By spreading fera of nuke war.

Wrong analysis...pakistan did not build nuclear bomb just after india exploded one...In fact they already had a bomb....Our test forced them to come out in open and then rest is history.....

We really needed a bomb from our security perspective and the zeal by which both congress and BJP were going after it is a testamount to my assertion...

 

[Urbanized Greyhound]

It was the worst decision by BJP for votes.

After it pakistan came out in open and every now or then pakistan blackmail India that if we take any action against terrorist camps on their soil etc. it will be a Nuclear war.

What India gained from this = nothing as still many fingers are raising on its success.

What pakistan have benefited = trump card for blackmailing not only India but also the world. By spreading fera of nuke war.

The test was absolutely necessary at that point else we would permanently be at the mercy and under the diplomatic offensives of both the U.S and China.

At least our adverseries would not think of "military lessons and solutions " with impunity ever again......

 

[Kinetic]

INDIAN HYDROGEN BOMB : SHAKTI - 1

This one is the greatest arm in Indian nuke arsenal. Just look at the small size.

 

[Areesh]

18 May: L K Advani, home minister and former BJP president, warns Pakistan “to roll back its anti-India policy, especially with regards to Kashmir.” He announces the government’s new “pro-active” approach to “deal firmly and strongly with Pakistan’s hostile designs and activities in Kashmir.” “India’s decisive step to become a nuclear weapon state has brought about a qualitatively new stage in Indo-Pak relations, particularly in finding a lasting solution to the Kashmir problem,” says Advani, adding: “Islamabad should realise the change in the geo-strategic situation.” Vishwa Hindu Parishad announces its plan to build a shrine, ‘Shakti Peeth’ (abode of cosmic energy) near the site of the five nuclear explosions in Rajhastan.

19 May: BJP spokesman Krishan Lal Sharma warns Pakistan that it will pay a heavy price for “fuelling the conflict” in Kashmir. “Time has come when the government should take a tough stand and foil Pakistan’s attempts to stoke militancy,” he says. The United States warns India not to disturb the status quo on the Line of Control, saying “we urge both countries to respect it and refrain from provocative actions.”

20 May: Home minister Advani says India is determined to quell proxy war by Pakistan against “our nation. “Until now, India’s policy to make such provocation has been essentially reactive. But it has been decided that further misadventure on Indian territory shall be dealt with enough provocative basis.”

22 May: BJP spokesman Sharma again warns Pakistan that “if it continues with its anti-India policy, Pakistan should be prepared for India’s wrath.”

 

[gubbi]

IIRC, there was also a missile test the same day at the missile test range in Orissa. This is was done apparently to mislead the spy satellites. True?

 

[Masterchief]

The tests were of course necessary,given the fact that china was already in possesion of warheads and pakistan was also following fast,india just could'nt afford to be left behind

 

[sageof6path]

yea u are rite i heard a similar story when i was in class 9th when my class teacher explained in detail the thing that happened and how they fooled the satellite if it was any other story i would have forgotten it since it is a matter of national pride every one listened and even now i can remember the phrases that he used to describe the whole incident each and every word by word i can remember............... and he did mention about the missile test to divert their attention on to orisa so they wont know a jack sh*t about the test.................

 

[LAKHNAVI]

It was the worst decision by BJP for votes.

After it pakistan came out in open and every now or then pakistan blackmail India that if we take any action against terrorist camps on their soil etc. it will be a Nuclear war.

What India gained from this = nothing as still many fingers are raising on its success.

What pakistan have benefited = trump card for blackmailing not only India but also the world. By spreading fera of nuke war.

no my friend , this was a master stroke by the BJP govt. not only did it tell the world what we are but it also rueined pakistan, see every body knew that after INDIA tests her A- bombs pakistan will have to follow suite and both the nations will be sanctioned by the USA, BJP knew that Inda will survive the sanctions and pakistan will be doomed and this is precisely what happened,
know my dear friend tell me was it a smart decision or a decission just for votes

 

[JonAsad]

18 May: L K Advani, home minister and former BJP president, warns Pakistan “to roll back its anti-India policy, especially with regards to Kashmir.” He announces the government’s new “pro-active” approach to “deal firmly and strongly with Pakistan’s hostile designs and activities in Kashmir.” “India’s decisive step to become a nuclear weapon state has brought about a qualitatively new stage in Indo-Pak relations, particularly in finding a lasting solution to the Kashmir problem,” says Advani, adding: “Islamabad should realise the change in the geo-strategic situation.” Vishwa Hindu Parishad announces its plan to build a shrine, ‘Shakti Peeth’ (abode of cosmic energy) near the site of the five nuclear explosions in Rajhastan.

19 May: BJP spokesman Krishan Lal Sharma warns Pakistan that it will pay a heavy price for “fuelling the conflict” in Kashmir. “Time has come when the government should take a tough stand and foil Pakistan’s attempts to stoke militancy,” he says. The United States warns India not to disturb the status quo on the Line of Control, saying “we urge both countries to respect it and refrain from provocative actions.”

20 May: Home minister Advani says India is determined to quell proxy war by Pakistan against “our nation. “Until now, India’s policy to make such provocation has been essentially reactive. But it has been decided that further misadventure on Indian territory shall be dealt with enough provocative basis.”

22 May: BJP spokesman Sharma again warns Pakistan that “if it continues with its anti-India policy, Pakistan should be prepared for India’s wrath.”

well our nuclear tests, did shut them up for good