Ahmedabad: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday commemorated the nuclear tests carried out in Pokhran on May 11, 1998, underscoring India’s unwavering determination to advance its nuclear programme despite intense pressure from major global powers.
He stated that India carried out two nuclear tests in 1998, first on May 11 and then on May 13, and declared that no global power could compel the nation or its people to submit to external pressure.Participating in the Somnath Amrut Mahotsav celebrations, marking the 75 years of reconstruction of the Somnath Temple, PM Modi invoked the 1998 nuclear tests – one of the defining moments in the country’s history to highlight India’s rise as a global power under the leadership of former Prime Minister late Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
He said that on May 11, India carried out three nuclear tests in Pokhran, during which the nation’s scientists demonstrated India’s strength and capability to the world, sending shockwaves across the globe, while addressing the gathering after the 'Kumbhabhishek' ceremony at the Somnath temple. He remarked that major world powers viewed our nuclear capabilities unfavorably and consequently imposed numerous economic sanctions and restrictions.
Anyone else would have been rattled when major world powers closed ranks against them. But we are made of different mettle. After May 11, global powers intensified their watch, yet our scientists had already accomplished their mission. Then, on May 13, we carried out two additional nuclear tests. That day, the world witnessed the ‘atal’ (unwavering) resolve of India’s political leadership, Prime Minister Modi said.He said that there was immense pressure on the country but under the leadership of Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the BJP government had shown that the national interests reign supreme for us and no power in the world could force us to bow down.
The Prime Minister further explained the choice of the name 'Operation Shakti' for the nuclear mission, noting that it symbolized India’s rising self-confidence and strategic stance in the face of challenges.Notably, the Pokhran-I tests on May 18, 1974 and later the Pokhran-II tests on May 11 and May 13 in 1998, marked India’s entry into the select league of nuclear-armed states and also came as a turning point in the country’s strategic and geopolitical positioning.
