Study OAS · 11 May 2026

National Technology Day 2026

What’s the News?

India observes National Technology Day every year on 11 May to mark the anniversary of the 1998 Pokhran‑II nuclear tests, codenamed Operation Shakti.
The day also honours Indian scientists, engineers, and technologists who have strengthened the country’s strategic and civilian technological capabilities.
The 2026 theme is “Responsible Innovation for Inclusive Growth”, reflecting a focus on sustainable, equitable, and ethical technological progress.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a recent address, recalled the tests as a demonstration of India’s unwavering political will and scientific prowess, emphasizing that no external pressure could force India to compromise its national security.

A series of five underground nuclear explosions conducted at the Pokhran Test Range in Rajasthan.
Three devices were detonated on 11 May 1998:
- Shakti I – a two‑stage thermonuclear device (fusion bomb) with a controlled yield of 45 kilotons (kt).
- Shakti II – a 15 kt fission device, a weaponised version of the 1974 design.
- Shakti III – a 0.2 kt sub‑kiloton experimental device.
Two additional sub‑kiloton tests (Shakti IV & V) were carried out on 13 May 1998 to gather data for computer‑simulated validation of advanced weapon concepts.
Key scientific leaders:
- Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam – Scientific Adviser to the Prime Minister and Chief Coordinator.
- Dr. R. Chidambaram – Chairman, Atomic Energy Commission; primary architect of the devices.
- Dr. Anil Kakodkar – Director, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC).
- K. Santhanam – Director, Test Site Preparations.
The tests were conducted under total secrecy to evade foreign surveillance satellites and validated India’s ability to design nuclear weapons across a wide yield spectrum.

Since 1998, India has built a complete nuclear triad — the capability to deliver nuclear weapons from land, air, and sea.
Land‑based leg: Agni series of ballistic missiles.
- Agni‑I (700 km) to Agni‑5 (5,000 km+), with newer variants (Agni‑6) expected to have ranges beyond 10,000 km.
Air‑based leg: Fighter aircraft of the Indian Air Force — Jaguar, Mirage‑2000, and Rafale — are certified for nuclear strike roles.
Sea‑based leg: Nuclear‑powered ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs).
- INS Arihant (commissioned 2016)
- INS Arighat (commissioned 2024)
- INS Aridhaman (commissioned 2026) — can carry the K‑4 submarine‑launched ballistic missile with a 3,500 km range.
According to the Arms Control Association, India possesses an estimated 172 nuclear warheads, all under the purview of the Strategic Forces Command.
India’s No‑First‑Use (NFU) doctrine makes the sea‑based leg especially critical; submarines are the most survivable platform, ensuring credible second‑strike capability.

Historical context:
- India’s nuclear programme began in the 1940s under Dr. Homi J. Bhabha.
- First nuclear test, Operation Smiling Buddha, was conducted on 18 May 1974 — a “peaceful nuclear explosion”.
- The 1998 tests were prompted by the security environment following China’s 1964 nuclear test and Pakistan’s covert nuclear programme.
Nuclear doctrine & command structure:
- India’s nuclear policy is governed by Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) decisions.
- Nuclear Command Authority (NCA) comprises the Political Council (chaired by PM) and the Executive Council (chaired by National Security Adviser).
- Strategic Forces Command (SFC) manages the nuclear arsenal.
Key agencies involved:
- Department of Atomic Energy (DAE)
- Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
- Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC)
- Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB)
Relevant constitutional & legal framework:
- India is not a signatory to the Nuclear Non‑Proliferation Treaty (NPT) but maintains a strong non‑proliferation record.
- The Atomic Energy Act, 1962 provides the statutory basis for all nuclear activities.
- India has entered into Civil Nuclear Cooperation Agreements with several countries (e.g., US, Russia, France) after the 2008 NSG waiver.