Extraordinary feat: Kharge remembers 'Smiling Buddha' India's first nuclear test

IANS May 18, 2025 335 views

India's first nuclear test, Smiling Buddha, was a pivotal moment in scientific history. Conducted in 1974 at Pokhran Test Range, the operation transformed India's global strategic standing. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge commemorated the 51st anniversary, praising the scientific community and Indira Gandhi's leadership. The test symbolized India's commitment to technological independence and strategic autonomy.

"Our scientists and researchers achieved this extraordinary feat through their ingenuity and dedication." - Mallikarjun Kharge
New Delhi, May 18: Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Sunday commemorated the 51st anniversary of India's first nuclear test, code-named 'Smiling Buddha', which was conducted on May 18, 1974.

Key Points

1

India became 6th nuclear-capable nation in groundbreaking 1974 test

2

Pokhran Test marked significant scientific and strategic milestone

3

Indira Gandhi demonstrated remarkable leadership during nuclear development

4

Test challenged global nuclear power dynamics

Marking a pivotal moment in India's scientific and strategic history, the test propelled India into the elite group of nuclear-capable nations, becoming the sixth country in the world to conduct such an operation.

Taking to the social media platform X, Kharge paid tribute to India's scientific community and hailed former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi's leadership.

In his post, he wrote: "51 years ago, India conducted its first Nuclear Test, code named 'Smiling Buddha' and became the 6th nation in the world to carry out such tests. Our scientists and researchers achieved this extraordinary feat through their ingenuity and dedication. We are deeply grateful to them. Smt. Indira Gandhi demonstrated exemplary and dynamic leadership, displaying remarkable courage even in the face of adversity, a legacy that endures. Jai Hind."

The nuclear test, conducted at the Pokhran Test Range in Rajasthan, marked India's entry into the global nuclear club.

Officially termed a "Peaceful Nuclear Explosion", the operation was a carefully planned scientific and strategic milestone that stunned the international community. Despite facing global backlash and the halting of several international nuclear collaborations, India stood firm in its commitment to pursue an independent nuclear programme.

The groundwork for this historic event was laid over the preceding decades. India had strongly opposed the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), which came into effect in 1970. New Delhi viewed the treaty as discriminatory, arguing that it denied equal rights to nations outside the established nuclear powers and sought to limit India's sovereign right to develop its own nuclear technology.

Smiling Buddha was as much a geopolitical statement as it was a scientific accomplishment. It demonstrated India's capability to harness nuclear energy for peaceful purposes while reinforcing its strategic autonomy. The success of the 1974 test laid the foundation for further advancements in India's nuclear capabilities, eventually leading to the series of tests conducted in 1998 under Operation Shakti.

The legacy of Pokhran-I endures as a testament to India's resolve, scientific innovation, and pursuit of self-reliance in defence and technology.

Reader Comments

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Rajesh K.
A proud moment in our history! 🇮🇳 Smiling Buddha showed the world that India cannot be bullied into submission. Our scientists worked against all odds to achieve this. Though I'm not a Congress supporter, credit must be given where it's due - Indira Gandhi showed real leadership here.
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Priya M.
While this was indeed a great achievement, we must remember that nuclear power comes with great responsibility. Today, we should focus more on using nuclear technology for energy needs rather than weapons. Pokhran made us secure, but let's use that security to build a better India.
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Amit S.
Interesting how Kharge remembers this now when Congress didn't do much to strengthen our nuclear program later. It was Vajpayee who had the guts to conduct Pokhran-II in 1998 despite US pressure. But yes, the first test was crucial - showed our 'jugaad' spirit in science!
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Neha T.
My grandfather worked as a junior scientist at BARC during those days. He tells amazing stories about how they maintained total secrecy, even from their families. The dedication of those scientists is truly inspiring! We need to teach more about this in our schools.
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Sanjay V.
The timing of this test was masterstroke - just after 1971 war victory. It sent a clear message to both China and Pakistan about India's capabilities. Today, our nuclear triad gives us real deterrence power. Jai Vigyan, Jai Bharat!
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Kavita R.
While celebrating our achievements, let's not forget the local communities near Pokhran who faced health issues later. National security is important, but we must ensure proper rehabilitation and care for those affected by such tests. A balanced view is needed.

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Tags:
Nuclear Test Smiling Buddha Indira Gandhi Mallikarjun Kharge India Nuclear Program Pokhran Test