On 11th May 1998, India shook the world with a daring move that defied global expe
ctations and intelligence capabilities — a series o
f underground nuclear tests conducted in Pokhran, Rajasthan. This operation, code-named “Operation Shakti,” was led in utmost secrecy by none other than Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, the visionary scientist and later the 11th President of India. The event not only altered India’s position on the global geopolitical chessboard but also exposed the limitations of global surveillance, especially the CIA, which had no clue about the impending blast.
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The Background: Why India Needed Nuclear Power
India’s nuclear ambitions date back to the 1940s under the guidance of Dr. Homi Bhabha, who laid the foundation of the Indian nuclear program. However, after the 1974 Smiling Buddha nuclear test in Pokhran, India faced international sanctions and increasing diplomatic pressure to curb its nuclear ambitions. Despite being surrounded by nuclear powers like China and an unstable neighbor in Pakistan, India maintained a "no first use" stance but never gave up on developing its nuclear capabilities.
By the 1990s, India found itself in a fragile security environment. China had already demonstrated its nuclear power, and Pakistan was racing to develop its own weapons with foreign support. India needed to send a message to the world that it was capable of defending its sovereignty.
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The Political Will: Atal Bihari Vajpayee's Green Light
When Atal Bihari Vajpayee became the Prime Minister in March 1998, he gave the nod to resume nuclear testing — something many previous governments had contemplated but backed away from due to international pressure, especially from the United States. Vajpayee’s bold decision would rewrite India's defense doctrine forever.
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Planning the Impossible: Operation Shakti Begins
The mission was led by Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, head of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), along with Dr. R. Chidambaram, the chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission. They were supported by a team of top nuclear scientists, engineers, and military personnel.
Everything had to be done under the radar of global surveillance, especially from American spy satellites. The CIA had a watchful eye over Pokhran since the 1974 test and had increased surveillance with the help of KH-11 reconnaissance satellites. But India was determined to beat the odds.
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Secrecy That Fooled the CIA
To outsmart American satellites and foreign intelligence:
Tests were planned during periods of satellite blackout.
Construction of underground shafts was done mostly at night.
Workers and scientists disguised themselves as army officers and laborers.
Dr. Abdul Kalam himself wore army fatigues to blend in with soldiers and avoid detection.
The shafts were dug manually instead of using machines to avoid heat signatures or suspicious activity detectable from above. Camouflage nets, terrain coloring, and careful movement ensured not a single image leaked to foreign intelligence.
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The Day That Changed It All: 11th May 1998
At 3:45 PM IST on 11th May 1998, India conducted three underground nuclear tests at Pokhran:
1. A thermonuclear device (hydrogen bomb) of about 45 kilotons
2. A fission bomb
3. A sub-kiloton device
These explosions were deep underground, designed to avoid environmental radiation leaks and international fallout (pun intended). The shockwaves, however, were loud and clear in the world of geopolitics.
On 13th May, India conducted two more tests, taking the total count to five nuclear tests under Operation Shakti.
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Global Reaction: Shock, Condemnation & Sanctions
The world reacted with surprise and disbelief. The CIA admitted it was caught off guard, marking a major intelligence failure. The U.S., Japan, and other nations imposed economic sanctions on India. President Bill Clinton expressed strong condemnation but acknowledged India’s rising role in global affairs.
Despite global outrage, many in India viewed it as a moment of national pride. India had not only showcased its scientific and military capability but had also reasserted its strategic autonomy.
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Pakistan's Response: The Start of a New Nuclear Age
India’s tests prompted Pakistan to conduct its own series of nuclear tests just 17 days later, on 28th May 1998. These tests were carried out in Chagai Hills, and both countries were now officially nuclear powers.
This led to a new nuclear deterrence balance in South Asia and brought intense focus on confidence-building measures (CBMs) and nuclear non-proliferation efforts.
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Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam: The Man Behind the Mission
Dr. Kalam’s role in India’s nuclear program was monumental. Known as the Missile Man of India, he had already led efforts in developing Agni and Prithvi missiles. But with Pokhran-II, he etched his name into history books as the architect of modern India’s nuclear defense.
His humble demeanor, scientific genius, and patriotic spirit made him a national icon, eventually leading to his election as the President of India in 2002.
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Legacy of Pokhran-II: What It Meant for India
1. Strategic Autonomy: India asserted its right to defend itself and take independent decisions based on national interest.
2. Nuclear Doctrine: India later adopted a “No First Use” policy and developed a credible minimum deterrent.
3. Global Diplomacy: Though sanctioned initially, India’s growing power led to greater global engagement. It later signed civil nuclear agreements with the U.S., France, and others.
4. Scientific Excellence: Operation Shakti proved India’s technological self-reliance in a high-stakes domain.
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India’s Current Nuclear Status (As of 2025)
India maintains an arsenal of nuclear warheads, estimated between 150–170.
Continues to refine missile delivery systems, including Agni-V with intercontinental range.
India is not a signatory to the NPT (Non-Proliferation Treaty) but is seen as a responsible nuclear power.
Participates in global forums on disarmament and strategic stability in South Asia.
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Conclusion: Pokhran-II — A Defining Moment of Modern India
The events of 11th May 1998 remain a watershed moment in Indian history. It was a bold statement to the world: India will not be intimidated, and it will chart its own course in matters of national security. The covert execution of Operation Shakti, under the nose of the CIA, is hailed as one of the most brilliantly executed secret military-scientific missions of the 20th century.
At the heart of this mission was Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, whose life and legacy continue to inspire millions. Pokhran-II not only changed India's defense posture but also paved the way for India’s rise as a global power.
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