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The nuclear arms race escalated significantly last spring, when both India and Pakistan tested nuclear weapons. In May India exploded five nuclear devices, shocking the world. Within weeks Pakistan responded by conducting seven nuclear tests of its own.
Rising Fears
The nuclear explosions, all of which were conducted underground, raised fears around the world. “We are at perhaps the most dangerous period since the beginning of the nuclear age—with the exception of the Cuban missile crisis,” said Thomas Graham, a former negotiator for the United States Arms Control and Disarmament Agency. “With India’s test, the nonproliferation regime we’ve built for the last 35 years hit an iceberg,” said Joseph Cirincione, director of the Nonproliferation Project at the Carnegie Endowment. “The whole region is a nuclear powder keg, and India just lit the fuse.”
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India’s Testing
India first conducted nuclear testing in 1974, and it had long been suspected of having nuclear weapons. Publicly, however, it had maintained that its nuclear program was designed for peaceful purposes, such as nuclear power, only.
India’s decision to test its nuclear weapons followed the electoral victory of the Hindu Nationalist Party, which came to power in March. The party, led by Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, embraces the notion of a powerful and strong India that is based on Hindu values.
Pakistan’s Testing
Pakistan’s testing—which represented the first time that country had detonated nuclear weapons—was conducted in direct response to India’s testing. “Today, we have settled a score,” said the Pakistani
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Prime Minister, Nawaz Sharif, after his country successfully exploded the first five nuclear devices. “Our security, and the peace and stability of the entire region, was gravely threatened. As any self-respecting nation, we had no choice left for us. Our hand was forced by the present Indian leadership’s reckless actions.”
Tensions between India and Pakistan have been high since the two states became independent in 1947, and the two countries have fought three wars against each other. Experts worry that tensions over the disputed area of Kashmir, which both countries claim belongs to them, could escalate into nuclear war. There is also concern that other countries may now feel the need to develop and test nuclear weapons.
- Why did India and Pakistan both decide to test their nuclear weapons?Answer
- What is the major source of conflict between India and Pakistan?Answer
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