Shakti 25 Years on India's Nuclear Progression

The May 1998 Shakti-series tests marked India`s emergence as a nuclear weapons state. These tests faced initial global resistance, but over time, this opposition gave way to understanding and reconciliation. India actively engaged with the international community to explain the security rationale behind its nuclear weaponization. The existing nuclear world order, anchored in the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, did not adequately address India’s security concerns. To reinforce its commitment to responsible nuclear behaviour, India undertook measures to demonstrate restraint and reliability.