India’s 1998 Pokhran-II nuclear tests offer vital strategic lessons for Iran today—demonstrating how sovereignty, secrecy, and science can defy pressure.
New Delhi (ABC Live): As Iran faces escalating threats over its nuclear ambitions, India’s 1998 Pokhran-II nuclear tests offer valuable strategic lessons. Back then, India was also under immense global pressure to refrain from advancing its nuclear capabilities. Nevertheless, it chose to act decisively—prioritizing national security and strategic autonomy over global opinion.
Today, Iran’s geopolitical situation mirrors India’s experience in 1998. Therefore, analyzing Operation Shakti provides insight into how calculated defiance, strategic clarity, and scientific precision can reshape a nation’s trajectory.
? Operation Shakti: A Political and Scientific Masterstroke
Soon after assuming office in 1998, Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee authorized India’s second round of nuclear tests. This bold decision, however, was not impulsive. In fact, it was rooted in groundwork quietly laid by former Prime Minister Narasimha Rao, who had laid the foundation without executing it during his tenure.
Consequently, a core team of top scientists—Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, Dr. R. Chidambaram, and Dr. S.K. Sikka—were quickly mobilized. Their task was clear: develop, transport, and detonate nuclear devices in complete secrecy.
Key Milestones:
Greenlight Issued: April 20, 1998
Test Dates: May 11 & 13, 1998
Codename for Devices: “Canteen Stores”
To maintain secrecy, high-level meetings were postponed, while scientists and support staff operated under disguised identities.
?? Outwitting the CIA: Strategic Secrecy in Action
Despite heavy surveillance by U.S. satellites, India executed a remarkably stealthy operation. This success was not accidental; instead, it resulted from methodical planning and adaptive logistics.
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To avoid exposure, scientists worked only during nighttime hours.
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In parallel, Indian agencies tracked real-time movements of American satellites.
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Consequently, convoys moved during early mornings to evade aerial detection.
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Disguises and code names were used to mask individual roles and identities.
In addition, India benefited from cloud cover and precise timing, which rendered American surveillance ineffective.
? Strategic Fallout of Pokhran-II
? Global Nuclear Landscape (as of May 1998)
| Country | Warheads | First Test | Test Site |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA | ~10,000 | 1945 | Nevada |
| Russia | ~8,400 | 1949 | Novaya Zemlya |
| France | ~400 | 1960 | Mururoa Atoll |
| China | ~300 | 1964 | Lop Nur |
| India | 5 | 1974, 1998 | Pokhran |
| Pakistan | 0 | — | Tested May 28 |
?? Seismic and Environmental Data
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Seismic Magnitude: 5.0–5.3
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Test Shaft Depth: 200–300 meters
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Core Temperature: Up to 300,000°C
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Radiation Leakage: None reported
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Satellite Detection: Failed due to weather conditions
? Scientific and Logistical Metrics
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Scientists Involved | 100+ |
| Estimated Cost | ?500–600 crore |
| Devices Built | 6 plutonium-based bombs |
| Labs Engaged | BARC, DRDO, DAE, AWE |
| Covert Transport | 4 trucks, 1 AN-32 aircraft |
Clearly, the scale of coordination was immense, involving scientific, military, and political leadership working in harmony.
? World Reaction and Diplomatic Consequences
| Country | Response | Action Taken |
|---|---|---|
| USA | Condemnation | Sanctions, tech bans |
| Japan | Suspended aid | Halted loans and cooperation |
| China | Urged restraint | Supported UN resolution |
| Pakistan | Responded with test | Conducted tests on May 28, 1998 |
While global powers reacted harshly, their punitive actions ultimately had limited long-term impact. India remained firm, choosing to endure short-term isolation for lasting strategic gains.
?? National Response: Pride Over Pressure
India’s domestic response sharply contrasted with international criticism. According to 1998 surveys, 94% of Indian citizens supported the tests. Across the country, spontaneous celebrations and chants of “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” erupted among civilians and soldiers alike.
As a result, the BJP government gained considerable political capital and public trust. Furthermore, Indian scientists—especially those sidelined after the 1974 Smiling Buddha test—finally received national recognition.
Moreover, this overwhelming public approval reinforced India’s resolve to resist international pressure.
? Historic Words: “We Have Done It”
At 3:45 PM on May 11, the world changed for India. Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam informed NSA Brajesh Mishra using the iconic code phrase:
“Sir, we have done it.”
Later that evening, Prime Minister Vajpayee announced to the nation:
“Today, at 15:45 hours, India conducted three underground nuclear tests in the Pokhran range.”
Subsequently, two more tests were conducted on May 13, completing Operation Shakti.
? Global Backlash vs. National Euphoria
Unsurprisingly, the international community reacted strongly. The United States imposed sanctions, Japan withdrew financial aid, and China pushed for UN action. However, within India, public sentiment was overwhelmingly supportive.
In fact, the juxtaposition of external backlash and internal pride became a hallmark of Pokhran-II’s legacy. Consequently, India emerged not only as a nuclear power but also as a country that stood its ground when it mattered most.
? Lessons for Iran’s Nuclear Future
Iran, today, faces a remarkably similar scenario. It is under sustained diplomatic, technological, and military pressure to abandon its nuclear pursuits. Still, if history is any guide, India’s 1998 model shows that strategic clarity, national consensus, and scientific capability can allow a country to reshape its global standing.
Of course, the international climate in 2025 differs significantly from that of 1998. Even so, India’s experience underscores the enduring value of unified resolve and well-timed execution.
? Conclusion: A Defining Chapter in Indian History
Pokhran-II was more than a military demonstration. It signaled India’s rise as a sovereign power with the courage to defy conventional expectations. In today’s global landscape, where nuclear ambition often meets international resistance, India’s 1998 tests serve as a blueprint for how stealth, science, and statecraft can converge to create lasting geopolitical impact.
? Further Reading (Outbound Links)
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