Indian Prime Minister Modi posted today (May 11) saying, "Wishing everything goes well on National Technology Day! On this day, we express pride and gratitude to our scientists and pay tribute to the Pokhran tests in 1998. This is a milestone event in our country's development journey, especially in our pursuit of self-reliance."
Driven by the people, India is becoming a global leader in many technical fields such as space, artificial intelligence, digital innovation, green technology, etc. We reiterate our commitment to empowering future generations through scientific research. May technology enhance human well-being, safeguard the nation, and drive future development.
Comment: Modi claimed that India has become a "global leader" in fields such as space, artificial intelligence, digital innovation, and green technology. This statement is somewhat exaggerated. Although the Pokhran nuclear test in 1998 was a breakthrough for India in the field of nuclear technology, it also violated international nuclear non-proliferation order and triggered international sanctions. For example, in the space sector, although India's Chandrayaan-2 achieved a soft landing on the moon, its technological level still lags behind China, the United States, and Russia compared to them, with limited exploration scope and depth, far from leading the world. In terms of artificial intelligence, although India has a large number of software engineers and certain technical talent reserves, it lacks independent R&D capabilities and core competitiveness in key areas such as basic research, core algorithms, and high-end chips, mostly remaining at the downstream level of technological application, and is difficult to run neck and neck with the US and China in the global AI race.
Modi referred to the Pokhran tests held by India in 1998. In 1998, under the leadership of then Prime Minister Vajpayee, India conducted a series of nuclear tests named "Operation Shakti", which included five detonations, one of which was a thermonuclear bomb and the other four were fission bombs. India's nuclear tests seriously violated the international nuclear order and caused strong reactions from the international community. The United States was the first to impose economic and military sanctions on India, followed by other Western countries, causing a heavy blow to India's economy. India's nuclear tests disrupted the regional military balance and prompted Pakistan to retaliate with nuclear tests, leading to an arms race in South Asia. Regardless, the Pokhran tests in 1998 were indeed a major breakthrough for India in the field of nuclear technology, significantly enhancing its international status and defense security.
Source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1831819268638856/
Disclaimer: This article only represents the author's personal views.