National Technology Day 2025: Modi honours Pokhran 1998 scientists on X
Synopsis
On the 27th anniversary of Operation Shakti, PM Modi took to X to honour the scientists behind India's 1998 Pokhran nuclear tests — the landmark that earned India a place in the global Nuclear Club and prompted former PM Vajpayee to declare 11 May as National Technology Day.
Key Takeaways
PM Narendra Modi marked National Technology Day on 11 May 2025 with a post on X , honouring scientists behind the 1998 Pokhran tests .
Operation Shakti comprised five underground nuclear tests — three on 11 May and two on 13 May 1998 — led by aerospace scientist APJ Abdul Kalam .
The tests made India the sixth country to join the global Nuclear Club .
On the same day in 1998, India's first indigenous aircraft, the Hansa-3 , was test-flown in Bengaluru , and DRDO successfully test-fired the Trishul surface-to-air missile.
Former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee declared 11 May as National Technology Day; it has been observed annually since 1999 .
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday, 11 May 2025 extended greetings on National Technology Day, paying tribute to the scientists whose hard work and dedication led to India's successful nuclear tests at Pokhran in 1998. In a post on social media platform X, Modi described the moment as a reflection of India's scientific excellence and its unwavering national commitment.
What Modi Said
Point of View
But 27 years on, India's defence R&D budget remains modest relative to its ambitions, and indigenous platforms still depend heavily on imported components. Modi's framing of technology as a pillar of self-reliance is politically resonant, but the gap between aspiration and indigenisation outcomes — in semiconductors, aerospace, and advanced manufacturing — deserves as much attention as the commemorations.
NationPress
12 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is National Technology Day and why is it celebrated on 11 May?
National Technology Day is observed every year on 11 May to commemorate India's successful nuclear tests at Pokhran in 1998, known as Operation Shakti. Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee declared the date a national occasion to honour scientific achievement, and it has been celebrated annually since 1999.
What was Operation Shakti and who led it?
Operation Shakti was a series of five underground nuclear tests conducted by India at the Pokhran range in Rajasthan — three on 11 May and two on 13 May 1998. The operation was led by aerospace scientist APJ Abdul Kalam and established India as the sixth country to join the global Nuclear Club.
What else happened on 11 May 1998 besides the Pokhran tests?
On the same day, India successfully test-flew its first indigenous aircraft, the Hansa-3 — a light two-seater designed for surveillance and training — in Bengaluru. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) also successfully test-fired the Trishul surface-to-air missile, marking a landmark day for Indian defence technology.
What did PM Modi say on National Technology Day 2025?
PM Modi posted on X that India recalls 'with pride the hard work and dedication of our scientists, which led to the successful tests in Pokhran in 1998.' He also emphasised that technology has become a key pillar in building a self-reliant India, accelerating innovation and expanding opportunities across sectors.
How does India observe National Technology Day each year?
National Technology Day is marked by events that honour scientists, engineers, and innovators, and by official communications highlighting India's technological progress. It serves as both a tribute to the scientific community and a call to action for future generations to drive innovation and research.
