Overview

• On May 18, 1974, India conducted its first nuclear test, codenamed 'Smiling Buddha,' becoming the sixth nation globally and the first outside the UNSC permanent members to demonstrate nuclear capability.
• The test was carried out under the leadership of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, who approved the project in 1972 and oversaw its execution in strict secrecy.
• A team of 75 scientists and engineers, led by Raja Ramanna, P.K. Iyengar, and R. Chidambaram, developed the implosion-type device using 6 kg of plutonium and a polonium–beryllium initiator.
• Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge credited Indira Gandhi’s resolve and the scientists’ achievements, while Prime Minister Modi reaffirmed India's deterrence stance in light of evolving regional security challenges.
• The test catalyzed the formation of the Nuclear Suppliers Group, reshaped global non-proliferation norms, and remains a cornerstone of India's nuclear policy and strategic autonomy.