In 1998. India planned 6 tests, but went ahead with only 5. When asked why not the 6th, Vajpayee replied "No need. We have all the data". Data required that avoids physical testing and depend on computer simulation. This is why shewred Vajpayee announced a voluntary moratorium on testing and followed it up by nearly signing NPT and CTBT.
That testing argument is a bogey is apparent when one appreciates the last test by the 5 Nuclear Powers:
France January 27, 1996 Operation Xouthos (Fangataufa) China July 29, 1996, underground. USA September 23, 1992 Russia October 24, 1990. UK Julin Bristol, November 26, 1991,
This is because of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) bans all nuclear explosions in all environments, for military or civilian purposes. The Treaty was opened for signature in New York on 24 September 1996, when it was signed by 71 States, including five of the eight then nuclear-capable states. The CTBT has now been signed by 178 states and ratified by 144.
Though China and US has not signed the CTBT, they too follow a voluntary moratorium as India does. India joins these two powers in voluntary moratorium through the 123 Agreement. So where's the sell out? It is the Left and BJP - the Sino-Pak stooges who soldout the country.
Re: Nuclear Testing - Just a Bogey
by Brij D on Sep 07, 2008 06:42 AM Permalink
U.S. and China can ride out any feeble sanctions put on them. The sanctions on India will hurt the economy far, far more. Do not be an idiot.
Re: Nuclear Testing - Just a Bogey
by ashish sinha on Sep 07, 2008 07:48 AM Permalink
no dont worry much.. onc the US is well integrated with indian economy and i am sure it will be... its unlikely that india will face sanctions.
lots of american companies r gonna make a killing by doing busines in india... and the lureof money pervades all foreign policy in USA.
they will do what their intersts dictate, not any principle that suggests them to ban nuclear testers.
Re: Nuclear Testing - Just a Bogey
by raheem vaheed on Sep 07, 2008 03:20 PM Permalink
All Right and Ashish....do not parade your stupid brains here....When do you think the major powers first tested their atomic or nuclear bombs? And, when was the last? Do you notice the time gap? Why did they take so long? Not just because of lack of technology but also because of the need for thorough analysis to determine when and what kind of tests were required. Besides, most have only not tested...not pledged never to test. Understand the difference.
When Vajpayeeji stated that no more tests were required, he meant "at that point of time". He did not mean for ever.
By the way, leaving this testing question aside, what are the benefits to India? Nothing. No assurance of unrestricted access to fuel or dual use technology.
And what did we lose? Everything. Weakened and thoroughly exposed diplomatically, paraded our empty heads, begged even nuclear nobodies to pardon us and made fools of ourselves by forgetting the basics of politics and foreign policy. Wish that wise sage of politics "Chanakya" were alive today.
