A series of five nuclear explosions Pokhran II were conducted between May 11 and May 13, 1998 at the Pokhran Test Range in Rajasthan’s Jaisalmer district , at the end of which the government led by then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee declared India a full-fledged nuclear state.

On the historic occasion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi credited the “patriotism and farsightedness of Atal Ji” for the success in the nuclear tests. “The patriotism and farsightedness of Atal Ji and his team have a major role to play in the success of tests of 1998. Atal Ji’s unwavering faith in our scientists proved valuable during that crucial time. It also demonstrated the difference a strong political leadership makes,” PM Modi said in a tweet.

The patriotism and farsightedness of Atal Ji and his team have a major role to play in the success of tests of 1998. Atal Ji’s unwavering faith in our scientists proved valuable during that crucial time. It also demonstrated the difference a strong political leadership makes. — Chowkidar Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 11, 2019