On this day, May 18, 2024, the world commemorates the fiftieth anniversary of India’s peaceful nuclear explosion in Pokhran, Rajasthan. To delve deeper into the significance of this event, the Toynbee Prize Foundation organized a conversation between historian Jayita Sarkar and Marc Reyes of the University of Connecticut. Dr. Sarkar shed light on the historical and nuclear implications of the peaceful nuclear explosion, as well as discussed her acclaimed book, “Ploughshares and Swords: India’s Nuclear Program in the Global Cold War,” which has received prestigious awards.
The peaceful nuclear explosion of 1974 was a pivotal moment for India, conducted under the leadership of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. The detonation of a plutonium implosion device, reminiscent of the one dropped on Nagasaki, Japan in 1945, was framed as an experiment for exploring civilian applications of underground nuclear explosions, such as mining and oil drilling. Dr. Sarkar emphasized the contextual backdrop of the Global South countries’ call for economic equality, represented by the New International Economic Order (NIEO), during that time.
Following the PNE, reactions both domestically and internationally were diverse and complex. The ambiguous nature of the explosion led to varied interpretations, with nonproliferation advocates viewing it as a nuclear arms milestone, while others perceived it as a prestige-driven move by a developing nation. The nuclear explosion raised questions about India’s intentions and capabilities, blurring the lines between civilian and military applications of nuclear technology.
In her book, Dr. Sarkar explores the lasting impact of India’s nuclear program on dissent and democracy. She argues that national security projects, such as nuclear weapons development, can undermine democratic values by stifling dissent in the pursuit of state survival. The nuclear program became a tool to suppress opposition, framing dissent as a threat to national security and modernization.
Moreover, Dr. Sarkar delves into the challenges and opportunities of writing histories of nuclear weapons and foreign relations in postcolonial contexts. She highlights the significance of multi-archival research and the need to challenge the exceptionalism of nuclear history by examining the social, political, and economic dimensions of atomic activities. By foregrounding territorial narratives and decolonial perspectives, she aims to provide a more nuanced understanding of nuclear histories.
Looking ahead, Dr. Sarkar is working on her upcoming book, “Atomic Capitalism: A Global History,” which explores the intertwined narratives of capitalism, empire, and decolonization through the lens of nuclear sites. She also has a future project titled “Connected Partitions: A Global History of Territoriality,” which examines the circulation of territorial divisions from South Asia to the global stage. By engaging with diverse historical contexts, Dr. Sarkar continues to unravel complex narratives surrounding nuclear technologies and their broader societal implications.