Operation Shakti

DETONATIONS

On 11th May 1998 , three simultaneous detonations were conducted, which consisted of a 15 kiloton Fission device ( Atom Bomb ), a 45 kiloton deviceand a 0.2 kiloton device. The detonations of 13 May 1998 were in sub-kiloton range of 0.5 kiloton and 0.3 kiloton.

Pokharan-II resulted in an international debate regarding the yield of the hydrogen bomb, and some circles were sceptical about India’s capability of having “tested” a hydrogen bomb, but further research showed that India possessed the technology to develop a hydrogen bomb as well. Their misgivings were actively dispelled by India and in October 1998, India clarified that the explosions had resulted in a perfect match between the calculated and the measured yields.

SANCTIONS

India's decision to detonate nuclear devices (''Pokharan-II'') resulted in severe and comprehensive economic and technology related Sanction s by a number of states. Over a period of time, these sanctions had only marginal effects on India’s economy and technological progress. Most of the sanctions were lifted within five years of Pokharan-II.

INDIA'S STAND

After Pokharan-II the Prime Minister Of India declared India to be a Nuclear Weapon State . This official declaration ended years of ambiguity about India’s nuclear infrastructures and capabilities. The Prime Minister of India further put a self declared moratorium on further nuclear fission by India. At the same time, India declared the policy of NFU .

This was in conformity with India’s sovereign desire to maintain a level of independent status in the international comity of nations. Brajesh Mishra , Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister and National Security Adviser had articulated this desire in these words: "I have always felt that you cannot in today's world be counted for something without going nuclear."

Information About

Operation Shakti