HVK Archives: Majestic entry into nuclear club
Majestic entry into nuclear club - The Observer
Dina Nath Mishra
()
May 14, 1998
Title: Majestic entry into nuclear club
Author: Dina Nath Mishra
Publication: The Observer
Date: May 14, 1998
Nuclear tests in Pokhran of western Rajasthan on May 11, 1998,
have clearly demonstrated to the world that India has the proven
deterrent weapon capability. The noted defence expert, K
Subrahmanyam, wrote "by conducting three underground nuclear
tests simultaneously, India has formally joined the club of five
nuclear weapon states ... India established that it is in a
position to make warheads with yields ranging from a few kilotons
to megatons".
Within hours, India registered three instant gains. Its stature
in the comity of nations has gone up and it may soon acquire the
status of a nuclear power. The attitude of even the powerful
countries towards it would undergo a rapid transformation. The
image of this thousand million people's nation would acquire
respect worthy of its size. Secondly, after this glorious
achievement, every Indian can hold his or her head high with a
sense of pride. Pokhran tests have been conducted just after the
test of Ghauri, the intermediate range ballistic missile of
Pakistan. A number of leaders of Pakistan had gone gaga, stating
that two-third of Indian cities fell under its reach. There were
reports about Chinese help to Pakistan to build up its nuclear
programmes. There were growing apprehensions in India. Pokhran
tests are not only a moral booster for the Indian people, but for
armed forces too. Thirdly, the Pokhran tests have added
credibility to Vajpayee government, for one of the important
commitments made in the elections manifesto of BJP as well as
national agenda was honoured in toto.
Other gains of Pokhran tests are also important. Tests have
further enhanced the stability of Vajpayee government and
demoralised the forces of destabilisation. It has effectively
silenced its critics with nefarious designs. One of the biggest
plus points of the Pokhran tests was maintaining total secrecy.
The mighty intelligence agency of US, the CIA, could not get an
inkling of the tests despite the fact that its satellite,
rotating in the orbit of the earth, can monitor every movement
taking place anywhere on the earth. Had the US prior
intelligence, it could have pressurised India as it had done in
December, 1995.
The then Prime Minister wanted to have the tests, keeping in mind
the impending general elections. Apparently, the test hole had
been dug and the required instrumentation wiring had been
completed at the Pokhran nuclear test site in the Rajasthan
desert. According to one report attributed to a top-ranking
Indian official, India had been planning to conduct a test of a
"hydrogen" device on December 7, 1995, but that test was
postponed until mid-December due to last minute snags. In the
meantime, US intelligence discovered the preparations and
apparently leaked the story. Washington put pressure on India,
using the threat of economic sanctions, not to conduct the test.
Prime Minister Rao cancelled the test. Had the intelligence known
about the Pokhran test, it could have applied much more pressure.
The whole US lobby could have been activated. They might have
tried to use some of the alliance partners of BJP to stop it. But
total secrecy was maintained. The decision was taken by four
leaders at the top. The green signal was given to the concerned
few just after the vote of confidence. The President, chief of
the services and intelligence agencies, as well as the chief
minister of Rajasthan, were taken into confidence in stages.
While going to Pokhran the scientists and engineers did not even
divulge the destination even to their family members.
Before taking the political decision, Vajpayee and his core group
had discussed all the positive and negative repercussions and
opted for calculated risk after thoroughly amusing an aspects of
apprehended US sanctions on the economic front. The nuclear
commitment of BJP, and even of its earlier incarnation, BJS, was
total. They were clear about the threat to this country. In the
election manifesto of 1998, the party was committed to this under
the head of "security". "The frenetic pace of military expansion
and modernisation by some of our neighbours and the growing
pressure and power of foreign navies in the Indian Ocean compel
us to take the state of our defence preparedness very seriously.
We also cannot remain oblivious to the new developments in weapon
technology and the induction of very advanced conventional
weapons system in the region by some power. These must be
neutralized.
"We are, therefore, committed to establish a National Security
Council to constantly analyze security, political and economic
threats and render continuous advice to the Government. This
Council will undertake India's first-ever Strategic Defence
Review to study and analyze the security environment and make
appropriate recommendations to cover all aspects of defence
requirements and organisations. Re-evaluate the country's nuclear
policy and exercise the option to induct nuclear weapons.
Expedite the development of the Agni series of ballistic missiles
with a view to increasing their range and accuracy. Increase the
radius of power projection by inducting appropriate force
multipliers such as battlefield surveillance systems and air-to-
air refueling"
The manifesto has talked about "foreign navies in Indian Ocean"
and "advanced conventional weapon system in the region by some
power". It clearly hints at China about which George Fernandes
has talked a lot and was criticised for the same. He said "China
is a potential threat number one". Year after year, the defence
ministry's annual report says it clearly. Some quotes: "China
has considerably improved its tactical position in Tibet. Its
modernisation programme has pronounced military overtones which
have obvious security implications for us" (1985-86): "China ...
maintains significantly higher force levels compared to the past"
(1987-88): "Sales of arms to countries in our neighbourhood is
likely to hamper the process of de-escalation of regional
tensions" (1990-9l): "Pakistan's acquisition of sophisticated
weapon systems, including missiles, from China has a direct
bearing on India's security" (1995-96): "The progress China has
made in recent years in augmenting its nuclear arsenal and
missile capabilities will continue to have relevance for India's
security concerns" (1996-97).
There is an ostrich-like tendency in India about the threat
perceptions vis-a-vis China. The insurgencies in north-east is
aided and abetted from across the border of Burma with the help
of China, and Bangladesh and ISI. Whatever George has said is the
truth. One may differ with his style, but not with the content.
Generally, threat perceptions of Indian masses have been Pakistan-
oriented. George has tried to correct it. Pokhran test is the
response of Indian threat perceptions for solely defence
purposes. Nuclear capability is an established deterrent. It is
also targeted at acquiring nuclear parity in a security
environment.
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