Prime Minister Narendra Modi commemorated the nuclear tests conducted in Pokhran on May 11, 1998, emphasizing India’s determination to pursue its nuclear ambitions despite global pressure. India conducted two nuclear tests in 1998, on May 11 and May 13, showcasing its strength and resilience against external influences. During the Somnath Amrut Mahotsav celebrations, marking 75 years of the Somnath Temple’s reconstruction, PM Modi linked the 1998 nuclear tests to India’s emergence as a global power under the late Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s leadership.
PM Modi highlighted the significance of the Pokhran nuclear tests, describing them as a pivotal moment in India’s history that demonstrated the country’s capabilities to the world. Despite facing economic sanctions and restrictions from global powers, India stood firm and conducted additional nuclear tests on May 13, showcasing its unwavering resolve. The Prime Minister praised the leadership of Atal Bihari Vajpayee for prioritizing national interests and resisting external pressures.
Referring to the nuclear mission as ‘Operation Shakti,’ PM Modi underscored India’s growing self-assurance and strategic positioning amidst challenges. The Pokhran-I tests in 1974 and the Pokhran-II tests in 1998 marked India’s entry into the league of nuclear-armed nations, reshaping the country’s strategic and geopolitical landscape significantly.
