Rahul Gandhi expresses gratitude to scientists behind India's first nuclear test

IANS May 18, 2025 291 views

On the 51st anniversary of India's first nuclear test, Rahul Gandhi paid tribute to the scientists behind Operation Smiling Buddha. The test, conducted in Pokhran, Rajasthan, marked India's entry into the elite nuclear-capable nations club. Congress leaders celebrated the scientific achievement as a landmark moment of strategic autonomy. The test reflected India's resistance to discriminatory global nuclear policies and showcased its technological prowess.

"Our scientists and researchers achieved this extraordinary feat through their ingenuity and dedication." - Mallikarjun Kharge
Rahul Gandhi expresses gratitude to scientists behind India's first nuclear test
New Delhi, May 18: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi expressed his gratitude to the brilliant scientists and researchers whose dedication made India's first nuclear test, Operation Smiling Buddha, a success 51 years ago at Pokhran, Rajasthan.

Key Points

1

India became 6th nuclear-capable nation with Pokhran test

2

Operation Smiling Buddha marked strategic scientific milestone

3

Test challenged global nuclear power dynamics

4

Demonstrated India's commitment to technological self-reliance

In a post on his Facebook account, he wrote: "Under the visionary and decisive leadership of Smt. Indira Gandhi, India conducted its first nuclear test, Operation Smiling Buddha, 51 years ago at Pokhran, Rajasthan. My sincere gratitude goes out to the brilliant scientists and researchers whose hard work made this possible."

Earlier in the day, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge also commemorated the 51st anniversary of India's first nuclear test, code-named ‘Smiling Buddha,’ which was conducted on May 18, 1974.

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."

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 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

P
Priya K.
Pokhran-I was truly a defining moment for India! 🇮🇳 While we must celebrate our scientific achievements, I wish our leaders would focus more on current nuclear safety and modernizing our capabilities. The world has changed since 1974.
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Rahul S.
Proud of our scientists! But why only credit Indira Gandhi? Many PMs and scientists contributed over decades. Dr. Homi Bhabha laid the foundation long before 1974. Let's honor all contributors equally.
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Amit P.
This test made the world take India seriously. Today when China flexes its muscles, our nuclear deterrent gives us strategic confidence. Jai Vigyan! 🙏
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Sunita M.
While the achievement is remarkable, I hope we're investing equally in renewable energy. Nuclear power comes with risks - remember Fukushima. India should lead in clean energy too!
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Vikram J.
The real heroes are the scientists who worked in secrecy under tough conditions. I visited Pokhran last year - the museum there gives goosebumps! Every Indian student should learn about this chapter properly.
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Neha R.
It's good to remember history, but can we please move beyond credit politics? Whether it was Congress then or BJP in 1998, what matters is India's security. Let's focus on making our nuclear program safer and more advanced.

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Tags:
Rahul Gandhi Indira Gandhi Nuclear Test Operation Smiling Buddha Pokhran Indian Science Nuclear Technology
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