Indian nuclear strategy: a perspective for 2020

India demonstrated its nuclear capability on May 18, 1974, when it conducted the first nuclear test in Pokhran-a desert area in Rajasthan some 350 miles away from New Delhi. Technically, India then became the world's sixth nuclear power. After 24 years, India surprised the world once again by conducting three nuclear tests on Buddha Poornima day- May 11, 1998. One was a plutonium type similar to the 1974 test. Another was a thermonuclear or hydrogen bomb, and the third one was a low yield device with a wider application- primarily a tactical weapon. All three devices were triggered by one pull. Two days later, on May 13, 1998, another two weapons were tested at Pokhran. These tests gave Indian scientists up-to-date knowledge on the latest developments in weaponisation of nuclear technology, including an ability to conduct sub-critical tests or testing by computer simulation in the laboratory. India's willingness to sign the CTBT if certain of its security concerns are met. India has also voluntarily declared a moratorium on further test, effectively meeting the aim of the CTBT. India has also declared its policy of not using nuclear weapons against non-nuclear states. The pursuit of the above strategic policy, will make India by 2020 a major power in the global politics and economy