In photos: 52 years since India’s first nuclear test — Operation Smiling Buddha

Smiling Buddha, India first nuclear test completes 51 years. Codenamed 'Smiling Buddha' was launched on May 18, 1974 by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. (Image credit: X/@DKShivakumar)

The nuclear test was named 'Smiling Buddha' because the test was conducted on the date that coincided with the Buddha Purnima festival that year. After the successful conduct of the test, Dr R Ramanna called the then prime minister and told her, “The Buddha has smiled”. (Image credit: X/@dayakamPR)

The test was carried out at the Pokhran Test Range in the Thar Desert of Rajasthan. With this test, India became the sixth country in the world to successfully detonate a nuclear device, following the US, USSR, UK, France, and China. A crater marked the site of the first successful conduct of Indian underground nuclear test. (Image credit: X/@dayakamPR)

Dr Homi J Bhabha (left), also known as the 'Father of India's Nuclear Programme' played a crucial role in planning and overseeing the entire nuclear program. Dr Raja Ramanna (centre) is regarded as the chief architect of the test. He oversaw the design and development of the nuclear device. Dr R Chidambaram (right), was a member of the test team at Bhabha Atomic Research Centre. (Image credit: X/@IndiaHistorypic, X/@DPrasanthNair)

The successful test was a source of immense national pride that showcased India’s indigenous scientific and technical capabilities. It was also seen as a strategic response to China’s 1964 nuclear test and rising tensions with Pakistan, especially after the 1971 war. On the 51st anniversary of Smiling Buddha, India's first nuclear test, Congress hailed and remembered the decisive leadership of then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. With this test, India had entered the league of nations with nuclear capabilities. (Image credit: X/@kharge)

India’s nuclear program started for peaceful use, but things changed after China tested a bomb in 1964. In 1968, a global treaty (NPT) was signed, which India found unfair. Prime Minister Indira Gandhi then supported building nuclear capability in case it was needed for peaceful purposes. (Image credit: X/@INCIndia)

Defining the successful conduct of the nuclear test, then prime minister said, "when we first embarked on our nuclear program, most industrialised nations were very critical of us. Their disapproval, even hostility continues, cooperation is with held and solemn agreements are kept aside. Our science, particularly our nuclear science is dedicated to development, to achieving freedom from want and providing the essentials of an honourable life for our masses." (Image credit: X/@INCIndia)

The 1974 test laid the groundwork for India’s formal nuclear weaponisation in 1998, with the Pokhran-II series of tests under Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. India conducted a second series of tests under Operation Shakti using advanced indigenous technology developed over the past 24 years. In this image, former PM Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee can be seen with Department of Atomic Energy Scientists. (Image credit: X/@DefenceMinIndia)