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?

India’s import of crude oil from America has reached its record level since 2022 in the month of October. This is being seen as an important step towards reducing dependence on Russian oil and reducing trade tensions with the Donald Trump administration.

According to the data of energy advisory company Kpler, till October 27, India imported 5.40 lakh barrels of crude oil per day from America, which is the highest level after 2022. By the end of this month, this figure is expected to reach 5.75 lakh barrels per day, while the booking for November is likely to be at the level of 4 to 4.5 lakh barrels per day. This figure is much higher than the average of three lakh barrels per day so far this year.

Purchase increased due to prices and economic reasons

Kepler’s Chief Research Analyst (Refining, Supply and Modeling) Sumit Ritolia said that this increase in US oil imports is mainly due to economic reasons. Due to the increasing difference in prices of Brent and WTI crude oil, competitive price of American oil, and declining demand from China, Indian refineries found it profitable to buy oil from America.

However, Russia still remains India’s largest oil supplier and accounts for about one-third of total Indian imports. Iraq is in second place in this matter, while Saudi Arabia remains as the third major supplier. News agency PTI, citing government and oil industry sources, said that Indian refineries have increased the purchase of American Midland WTI and Mars grade crude oil in recent months.

The move is aimed at diversifying supply sources and signaling cooperation with the US. This change has happened at a time when Western countries’ sanctions on Russian oil companies Rosneft and Lukoil have become more stringent. Till now many refineries of India have been purchasing oil from these companies only.

trade tension reduction strategy

This increase in American oil imports is also believed to be related to India’s recent strategy to reduce trade tensions with America. In August, the Trump administration had imposed a duty of up to 50 percent on goods imported from India, of which 25 percent was imposed as a penalty for continuing to buy oil from Russia.

Also read: India’s electronics exports are increasing rapidly, how much role does Apple’s iPhone play in this?

Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar met Sergio Gore, US Ambassador-designate to India on Saturday (October 11, 2025). Sergio Gaur recently came to New Delhi on a six-day visit after confirmation from the Senate.

After meeting America’s ambassador-designate Sergio Gore, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has expressed happiness. S. Jaishankar made a post on social media platform X on Saturday (October 11, 2025). In the post, Jaishankar said, ‘Delighted to meet US Ambassador-designate Sergio Gore in New Delhi today. During the meeting with him, the relations between India and America along with their global importance were also discussed and best wishes were given to him for his new responsibility.

Pleased to meet Ambassador-designate Sergio Gor of the US today in New Delhi.

Discussed the India-US relationship and its global significance.

Wish him the best for his new responsibility. @USAmbIndia
pic.twitter.com/cBMiYeRSVV

—Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) October 11, 2025

Sergio Gore has come to New Delhi on a six-day visit

According to the US State Department, Gore was accompanied by Deputy Secretary of Management and Resources Michael J. Rigas has also come on a visit to New Delhi. His visit will last from October 9 to 14, 2025.

This visit of Sergio Gore is taking place at a time when India and America are working towards further strengthening strategic and trade relations. Both countries are considering ways to finalize a trade agreement and increase cooperation in technology and defense sectors.

According to the US Embassy, ​​Sergio Gore has recently reached India and after some time he will formally present his credentials to the President of India Draupadi Murmu.

Sergio Gore also met the Foreign Secretary – Ministry of External Affairs

India’s Foreign Minister S. Apart from Jaishankar, New Delhi’s incoming Ambassador Sergio Gore also met Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri during his visit. India’s Foreign Ministry issued a statement in this regard.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri with US Ambassador-designate to India @SergioGor earlier today. They had a productive exchange on the India–US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership and its shared priorities. FS wished Amb-designate Gor all success for his assignment. pic.twitter.com/rxDUfONcDx

— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) October 11, 2025

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a post on the official They held constructive talks on India-US comprehensive global strategic partnership and shared priorities. During this, the Foreign Secretary also gave him hearty congratulations for his responsibilities.

Also read: PM Modi: Diwali gift to farmers, PM Modi launches two schemes worth Rs 35,440 crore, know how they will benefit?

The US State Department official revealed that the issue of buying Russian oil from India is raised in every high -level meeting. A bill was introduced in the US Parliament, in which it was proposed to impose 500% tariffs on Russian oil buying countries. At present, the US has imposed an additional 25% tariff on India, due to which the total fee has increased to about 50%.

It is one of the most one of the American charges levied on any country. The aim of America is to completely stop the income of Russia so that the Ukraine War can end.

Pressure on China and Europe too
The question was also raised as to why America does not put the same pressure on China. The official said that the Trump administration is dealing with Beijing in its own way. He informed that similar pressure is being made on other countries including the European Union. That is, strictness with India is no exception.

Chabahar Port and Iran Policy
The US has also abolished the exemption given under the IFCA (Iran Freedom and Countter-Proliferation Act) under the maximum pressure policy on Iran. Earlier India had exempted the use of Chabahar port for Afghanistan’s reconstruction works. Now this discount has also been abolished. The official clearly said that now any income from Chabahar Port will go to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Core (IRGC), on which the ban will be applicable.

H1B visa fee dispute
Another important issue is related to the H1B visa. Recently, the US implemented a $ 100,000 fee for new applicants. The official clarified that this fee is only for new applicants, it will not affect the already existing visa holders. He said that the purpose of this fee is to prevent fraud in the application process. Companies bringing highly qualified professionals will also be able to apply by paying this fee.

Hind-Pacific partnership and direction of relationships
Despite stressful issues, America still considers India an important partner of the Indo-Pacific region. Vice President J.D. Vance said that during his visit to India, one of the most important relations that defines Indo-US relations to the 21st century. Foreign Minister Rubio also did the first foreign trip in a quad meeting after taking charge, which included India.

Also read: ‘I do not want to punish India, but …’ Trump’s minister shows the attitude, then why read the Kasheda in praise

Former US Ambassador Tim Romer has said that the plan by President Donald Trump to impose a new and heavy H-1B visa fee on Indians, can once again become an issue of talks after the Indo-US trade agreement. This step of the Trump administration has come amid strictness on immigration, which will have a profound impact on Indian IT companies and skilled professionals. The US has already increased 50% tariff and now the proposed 1 million visa fee can make American dreams difficult for Indian students and professionals. However, India is currently studying the impact of this decision.

In a conversation with NDTV, Romer admitted that the step could interrupt the relationship between the two countries, but hoped that the visa issue would be reconsidered after the business talks proceed. He also said that it is possible that the court or the US Congress should stop this decision, because the Congress has the right to decide the number of H-1B visas.

Romer said this big thing

He insisted that giving H-1B visas to Indian students and professionals is also beneficial for America. These students start new companies in the US by acquiring PhD and jobs, which are called ‘Unicorns’ and they create hundreds of thousands of jobs.

Citing a study, Romer said that about 25% of the new technology jobs are made by students of Indian origin, who later become CEOs and strengthen the American economy.

India has also been emphasizing the aspect that H-1B visa holders strengthen innovation, technological development and people’s relations with people. The Ministry of External Affairs said that policies will be evaluated keeping in mind the benefits.

Also read-

Jaishankar and Marco Rubio meet, know what issues including H-1B visas were talked about in the tension with Trump’s tariff

AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi has targeted the Modi government at the Center on Saturday (September 20, 2025) over Donald Trump’s visa bomb. Asaduddin Owaisi flashed the central government and questioned the government’s foreign policy after issuing an executive order on the H-1B visa by US President Donald Trump.

In the Lok Sabha from Hyderabad, MP and AIMIM Chief Asaduddin Owaisi shared a post on the social media platform X on Saturday (September 20, 2025). In the post, Owaisi targeted the government and said, ‘My complaint is not to Trump, he did what he wanted. My quarrel is with this government. After all, what did you get from Houda Modi and Namaste Trump? What was achieved by all the diaspora you gathered in Madison Square Garden?

He said, ‘Happy birthday is not the successes of foreign policy. The purpose of eliminating the H-1B visa was to target Indians. The US putting its relations with India in danger is evidence that it does not care about our strategic values.

America does not consider us allies, this government failure- Owaisi

Asaduddin Owaisi said, ‘We are a strategic partner of America and if they do not see us as an ally, it is the failure of this government. We should see it with other works done by the US recently with India. Heavy tariffs, Pakistan-US trade agreement, Pakistan-Saudi Agreement (which could not be possible without America’s consent) and overall India’s weak state in the world. We are in a hostile neighborhood and are constantly being isolated on the global stage.

2014-2024 Lost decade- Owaisi

He said, ‘India has entered into dollars agreements with more than 18 countries including Qatar and many ASEAN countries. Trade payments with these countries are being done in rupees. We should expand it in business with all major trading partners. We should not bow down even an inch in front of Trump’s blackmail. But the government should self -consciousness why India is facing so many difficulties in the matter of foreign policy and national security? Is this because you have limited these issues to gimmick? After all, not Modi, but common Indians are upset. You have sacrificed our long term benefits for domestic show. 2014-2024 has been a lost decade.

Also read: Trump’s ‘Visa Bomb’ gave India a bigger shock as soon as the talks on tariff started

After the ups and downs in relations between India and America, the business talks were seen going into cold storage. But Prime Minister Narendra Modi was praised by the first US President Donald Trump and then after the positive response given by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, now the relationship is now seen to be improving again. After the response given through social media between the two leaders, now the business talks are also seen gaining momentum. According to sources, the team of trade deals from the US on Monday (September 15, 2025) will reach India and tomorrow on Tuesday (September 16, 2025), there will be a trade talks between the two countries.

According to sources, India’s business talks with America are now moving forward with positive thinking. At many levels, diplomatic and main talks are going on between the two countries. According to reliable sources, a team is coming to India late on Monday (15 September) to discuss business talks with America and then there will be a trade talks on Tuesday between both countries.

India will discuss pending issues with American team

During this dialogue, India will be discussed on all pending issues with the American team. During this period, the Ministry of External Affairs is also involved in some issues being within the diplomatic purview. India is currently discussing intense discussion with the US as well as the European Union. Economic support and products will be analyzed at many levels in the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF).

Export and Msme There will also be discussion on promoting

Apart from this, amidst interaction with the US, the Government of India is making all efforts under the Export Promotion Mission to speed up small and medium industries. It was announced in the Union Budget of 2025-26. Under this, a target has been set to promote exports in the next six years and help small entrepreneurs.

Ministry is preparing for export promotion mission

At the same time, exports are changing between competitiveness of different countries. The government is constantly making efforts to help small industries and traders. The government is working on the Export Promotion Mission for this. Soon it will be presented in the cabinet. Consultation has been done between various ministries on this. The government is working on this scheme to solve the concerns of exporters.

According to sources, the export promotion mission may consider allocating a large amount of Rs 2,250 crore already allocated in the Export Promotion Mission. At the same time, it will also be considered to run this mission in a cycle of 5 years. Preparations are being done by the Ministry regarding this.

Also read: Muslim countries preparing to form Islamic NATO military organization? Egypt proposed after Israeli attack on Qatar

US Commerce Minister Howard Lutnik has severely criticized India’s trade policies on Sunday (September 14, 2025). He said that New Delhi takes advantage of global commerce, but it limits access to the market of India.

Lutnik said, ‘India continuously mentions its 140 crore population, but when it comes to American agricultural products, it does not show any openness on this issue.

Business will be difficult with the world’s largest consumer- Lootnik

In an interview to Axios, US Commerce Minister Howard Lutnik said, ‘India is proud that it has a population of 140 crores, so why does he not buy a sack maize from us? They put a tariff of everything. So either you accept it, otherwise it will be difficult for you to do business with the world’s biggest consumer.

US minister expressed resentment over India’s policies

US Commerce Minister Howard Lutnik has expressed displeasure over India’s growing global influence and repeatedly free-free-free democracy. He said, ‘This is a matter of fairness. America buys goods from Indian without stopping, but when we try to sell, India erects walls.

Buying India’s Russian crude oil made sensitive issue for Washington- Lootnik

Lutnik also stressed that India is importing a large amount of crude oil from Russia, which has become a sensitive issue for Washington amidst the sanctions of Western countries on Moscow. Although he admitted that India needed cheap energy for development, but Lutnik argued that such agreements highlight imbalance in global trade diplomacy.

ALSO READ: Assam land trembled due to earthquake, shocks felt in North Bengal and Bhutan, know how much intensity was

US President Donald Trump said on Friday (September 12, 2025) that it is not easy to impose tariffs (fees) on India for buying crude oil from Russia. This step creates a rift with India.

Donald Trump said in an interview to Fox and Friends on Friday (September 12), ‘Look, India (Russian oil) is the biggest customer. I put 50 percent tariff on India, because they are buying crude oil from Russia. This is no easy task. This is a big thing and this causes a rift in America’s relations with India. US President Donald Trump responded when he was asked what is meant to clamp down on Russian President Vladimir Putin?

He said, ‘But I have already done this. I have done a lot and remember that this is a lot of Europe’s problem than our problem.

Trump claims to resolve seven conflicts

Donald Trump also reiterated his claim during the interview that he has so far resolved a total of seven global conflicts during his second term as the President of America.

He said, ‘I have solved a total of seven struggles so far during my second presidential tenure. I resolved many conflicts, including Pakistan and India, as well as major conflicts, some of which were unresolved, such as Congo and Rwanda. I solved them. It was going on for 31 years. Millions of people were killed in this struggle. I solved struggles that were unresolved for a long time.

What India says on the purchase of Russian oil,

Donald Trump said that while defending the purchase of crude oil from Russia, India has been saying that its energy purchase is inspired by national interest and market dynamics.

Also read: Sushila Karki will become Nepal’s interim PM, President will be sworn in today

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Thursday (September 11, 2025) that today India is one of the top relations countries in the world of America and America is going through an ‘extraordinary change’ in this regard with India. Rubio introduced him during the hearing of the name of the US nominated Ambassador Sergio Gore in India before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

Rubio said that he has known Gore for a long time and the country he has been nominated, ‘I would say that he is one of the countries with top relations in the world of America today’. Last month, President Donald Trump had said that he was appointing the President’s Office Personnel Director Gor as the next US Ambassador to India and a special messenger for South and Central Asian Affairs.

‘Will have to work together with India’

On confirmation of the appointment, Gore (38) will be the youngest US ambassador in India. Rubio said that in the 21st century, the story will be written in the Hind-Pacific region. In fact, it is so important that we have changed the name of Combatant Command of the Indo-Pacific region, India is in its center.

He said, ‘We are going through an extraordinary change in our relations with India. Some very important issues are coming in front of us, on which we have to work together with them. We also have to work on those who affect the events happening in Ukraine, as well as the events happening in this region.

‘Selection of gore is absolutely suitable’

Rubio described the selection of Gore for the post of Ambassador as perfect and said, “It is important that America should be represented by a person who gets the trust of the President of America, who is close to him.”

Also read:- Indian Army’s ‘Siom Prahar’ caused panic in enemies, high-tech war exercises on the border