There was hot sand of the desert, silence in the air and a history making mission was going on inside the earth. At that time, India had its eyes on the future and America had its eyes on India, but something happened which betrayed even the most powerful spy agencies of the world. What India did on the soil of Pokhran was not only a victory of science but also a chapter of national honor which filled every Indian with pride. The only question was, how did India succeed in conducting nuclear tests by avoiding the surveillance of America’s spy satellites? Let’s find out.

The world was shaken by the Pokhran blast

11 May 1998: This date is recorded in golden letters in the history of India. That day, an explosion took place in Pokhran, a small village situated in the remote desert of Rajasthan, which shook the entire world. This was Operation Shakti, India’s second nuclear test. With this test, India not only proved its scientific capability but also gave a message to the world that now India will not lag behind technologically or strategically under any circumstances.

Testing conducted in complete secrecy

India had conducted this test in complete secrecy under the leadership of the country’s Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee at that time. The chief scientist of this mission is Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, who later became the President of India. Along with him, some selected officers of Defense Research Organization (DRDO), Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) and Army were also included. All of them were united by the same goal, that is to make India a nuclear power while avoiding American surveillance.

How India escaped from America’s eyes

At that time, America was continuously keeping an eye on India through its intelligence agency CIA and spy satellites. Satellites used to pass over the Pokhran area several times a day. Indian scientists showed great wisdom to dodge them. Preparations for the test were done at night and during the day, when the satellite came near, all the instruments, cables and vehicles were covered with sand. The scientists and engineers were dressed in military uniforms, so that American satellites would think it was just a normal military exercise.

the world was shocked

The planning of this mission was so secret that even most of the ministers of India were not aware of it. Three underground tests were conducted in Pokhran – one of fusion bomb and two of fission bomb. When the earth shook at 3:45 pm on May 11, 1998, it was not just an explosion, but the voice of India’s confidence. Within a few moments the whole world was stunned. The intelligence agencies of America, China and Pakistan were surprised as to how India took such a big action without any information.

Why was Pokhran chosen?

Pokhran was chosen because it had ideal geographical location, sandy terrain, low population, and military control. This was the reason why this place proved to be the safest place to throw dust in the eyes of America. When Atal Bihari Vajpayee announced India’s nuclear test in the Parliament, the entire country erupted in cheers. After that day, India joined the club of nuclear powers of the world.

Also read: How the story of the aircraft carrier warship began, where did the idea come from?

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