Pokharan Vs. Chhagai Hills: The Nuclear Dilemma for India and Pakistan

On May 11 and 13 1998, India conducted a total of five underground nuclear tests in the Pokharan range of Rajasthan, breaking 24 years of self imposed moratorium on nuclear testing. Pakistan followed with five tests on 28 May 1998 in Chhagai Hills of Baluchistan, and an additional test on 30 May. The Indian tests surprised the world and particularly the US intelligence and policy community. Although the Indian Government claimed concern about the deteriorating security and nuclear environment as its reason for testing, many observers believe that domestic political factors may have been responsible for atleast the timing of the tests. Pakistan’s test apparently of simple fission devices appear more aimed at demonstrating the possession of a capability based on a weapon design which it reportedly had acquired from China a decade or more ago. Both nations, nuclear tests further complicated the prospects for the ratification of the comprehensive test ban treaty. Why did both the countries venture on acquiring nuclear weapon status when the entire world was thinking in terms of banning nuclear weapons testing? What were the reasons that finally shook off a quarter of a century old self-imposed restraint on exercising the nuclear option. The book, Pokharan vs Chhagai Hills: the nuclear dilemma for India and Pakistan is a comprehensive history of two emerging nations of South Asia that ventured on the path of acquiring nuclear weapons’ capability to enhance its status in the international society. Each chapter provides significant, justifications for the stand taken by both the countries on the nuclear issue.