Topic: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or
affecting India’s interests
4)Pokhran-II and what followed has given India the right to claim the tag of a responsible power — a valuable diplomatic asset. Analyze. (250 words)
Why this question
After Pokhran-II tests, India declared itself as a full-fledged nuclear weapon state. But it brought adverse reaction from US, Japan, Australia etc. However, India has successfully managed to establish itself as a responsible power and is presently party to three out of four multilateral weapon export control regimes.The question is related to GS 2 syllabus under the following heading-
Key demand of the question
The question wants us to throw light on the Pokhran II tests and analyse the Indian response and how India managed to establish itself as a responsible power.
Direct word
Analyse- we have to dig deep into the question, identify key demands viz. Description of Pokhran II tests, their impact and how India managed to steer itself out of the adverse response of world powers and how it established itself as a responsible power.
Structure of the answer
Introduction- briefly describe the Pokhran II tests- date, type and number of bombs etc.
Body-
- Briefly discuss the aftermath of the tests- how world powers responded.
- Briefly discuss in points, factors which necessitated the development of nuclear weapons by India. e.g conflict with China and Pakistan, declaration of China as a nuclear state etc.
- Briefly discuss in points, how India managed to steer itself out of the controversy. e.g India’s no first use policy, adherence to the non-proliferation treaty without even being a signatory etc.
Conclusion– mention that India is presently a member of 3 out of 4 export control regimes and an established responsible nuclear power.
