Did Congress Cancel the 1995 Nuclear Test Due to US Pressure?

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Did Congress Cancel the 1995 Nuclear Test Due to US Pressure?

Synopsis

BJP MP Nishikant Dubey claims that Congress, under US pressure, canceled a 1995 nuclear test plan. He cites declassified documents and calls out Rahul Gandhi's historical fears of American influence. This revelation raises questions about international relations and domestic politics. What does this mean for India's defense strategy?

Key Takeaways

  • Nishikant Dubey claims the Congress government canceled a nuclear test due to US pressure.
  • Former Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao was ready to proceed with the test.
  • The leak of information to the US allegedly prompted intervention from the US President.
  • The BJP conducted successful nuclear tests in 1998, showcasing a different approach.
  • Dubey calls for an investigation into historical ties with China.

New Delhi, June 11 (NationPress) BJP MP Nishikant Dubey has claimed, referencing declassified documents, that the Congress administration, under significant pressure from the United States, abandoned plans for a nuclear test in 1995.

He asserted that the fear of American repercussions was a major factor in this decision, despite the readiness expressed by former Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao.

"Take a moment to revisit the history of how Rahul Gandhi, whom I refer to as 'Rahul Baba,' exhibits a fear of America," Dubey stated in a post on X on Wednesday.

"In 1995, Prime Minister Narasimha Rao had resolved to conduct a nuclear test, but sensitive information was allegedly leaked by a senior minister or government official to the United States."

Dubey further suggested that this leak prompted direct intervention from the US President, who allegedly sent an urgent nighttime telegram to the Indian Prime Minister's Principal Secretary, requesting a meeting.

"The Charge d’Affairs was instructed to organize a meeting with PMO Principal Secretary Varma for Ambassador Wisner upon his return to New Delhi," the relevant section of the classified document shared by Dubey stated.

According to Dubey, this external pressure compelled the Congress government to cancel the test due to apprehensions.

"Conversely, when the BJP assumed power under Atal Bihari Vajpayee in 1998, we proceeded with the nuclear tests at Pokhran despite facing international sanctions and diplomatic pressure," he remarked.

"Prime Minister Modi has demonstrated similar determination in recent years. Rahul Gandhi should reflect on our history," Dubey added.

Earlier on Monday, Dubey demanded an investigation into the purported historical connections between the Nehru-Gandhi family and China, based on revelations from declassified documents linked to the 1961 Belgrade Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM).

"Rahul Baba, are you aware that at China's request, your family's patriarch Nehru ji devised the new concept of non-aligned nations? Observe the member countries of the first conference in Belgrade in 1961. After isolating India from both Russia and America, did any nation come to India's aid during or after the 1962 war with China?" Dubey questioned.

Point of View

It's crucial to approach such allegations with a balanced lens. While declassified documents provide insight into historical events, they also require careful interpretation. The implications of US-India relations on India's nuclear policy must be critically examined to understand the broader geopolitical context.
NationPress
13/06/2025

Frequently Asked Questions

What did Nishikant Dubey allege about the Congress government?
Nishikant Dubey alleged that the Congress government, influenced by US pressure, aborted plans for a nuclear test in 1995.
What historical event did Dubey reference?
Dubey referenced the 1995 nuclear test plans which were reportedly canceled due to a leak of sensitive information to the US.
How did the BJP respond to the nuclear test situation in 1998?
The BJP, under Atal Bihari Vajpayee, conducted nuclear tests in 1998 despite facing international sanctions and pressure.
What connection did Dubey make to China?
Dubey called for an investigation into alleged ties between the Nehru-Gandhi family and China, based on declassified documents from the 1961 Belgrade Summit.
What is the significance of the declassified documents?
The declassified documents shed light on historical political decisions and the influence of international relations on India's defense policies.