Operation Smiling Buddha

Operation Smiling Buddha was India's first successful nuclear test, conducted on May 18, 1974, at Pokhran in Rajasthan. It marked India's entry into nuclear technology, demonstrating its ability to develop nuclear energy for peaceful purposes and strategic defense. The operation involved constructing a nuclear device, which was detonated underground, releasing a significant amount of energy. While it showcased scientific progress, it also raised international concerns about nuclear proliferation. The test established India as a nuclear-capable nation, influencing global non-proliferation efforts and shaping its defense and energy policies.