Express View: India's calculated risk of nuclear weapons paid off

Between May 18, 1974, and May 11, 1998, one of the worst-kept secrets in the global strategic community was India's nuclear capability. Despite conducting a nuclear explosion test, the establishment in New Delhi was encumbered by the moral dilemma of becoming a nuclear power. Since its independence, India had been a champion of non-proliferation in the international community and there was concern about its declaration of nuclear weapon prowess. There were also apprehensions about how India would weather the international reaction, including economic sanctions, and that the ensuing arms race with Pakistan could help the latter level the playing field….