On May 18, 1974, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was at Palam Airport to receive President Lopold Sdar Senghor of Senegal. That was the day India conducted its first nuclear test and became the 6th nuclear power in the world.
Speaking to media, Indira Gandhi said, “I never bother with prestige. It is nothing to get excited about. We are firmly committed only to the peaceful uses of atomic energy.”
advertisement
At that time, tensions with Pakistan were high. China had already tested a nuclear weapon. Surrounded by nuclear-armed neighbours, India faced pressure to build its own deterrent.
Despite opposition from the West, Indira Gandhi decided to move ahead.
Continue Reading on India Today
This preview shows approximately 15% of the article. Read the full story on the publisher's website to support quality journalism.