Gir Somnath
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday linked India’s 1998 Pokhran nuclear tests with the country’s spiritual and cultural traditions while addressing the ‘Somnath Amrut Mahotsav’ celebrations in Gujarat.
Speaking after participating in ceremonies at the historic Somnath Temple, the Prime Minister said the anniversary of the nuclear tests and the temple celebrations together reflected India’s strength, faith, and determination.
Addressing a large gathering, Modi recalled that India conducted the Pokhran-II nuclear tests on May 11, 1998, under the leadership of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. He described the tests as a defining moment that demonstrated India’s scientific capability and political resolve before the world.
Today is special for another reason as well. On this very day, May 11 in 1998, the country conducted nuclear tests in Pokhran, Modi said during his speech.
The Prime Minister stated that India faced strong international pressure and economic restrictions after the tests were carried out. According to him, several countries attempted to isolate India diplomatically and economically following the nuclear detonations.
Our scientists demonstrated India’s strength and capability before the world. There was turmoil across the world. Global powers began strategising. Many restrictions were imposed, and all possible avenues leading to economic opportunities were blocked, he said.
Modi noted that despite global pressure, India went ahead with two additional nuclear tests on May 13, 1998, proving the firmness of the country’s political leadership at the time.
The world then realised how firm India’s political will was, he said, adding that the Vajpayee-led government prioritised national interest above international pressure.
The Prime Minister also explained the symbolism behind the name Operation Shakti, which was given to the nuclear tests. He said the term reflected India’s age-old tradition of worshipping both Shiva and Shakti together as complementary forces.
Operation Shakti was named so because worship of Shakti along with Shiva has always been our tradition. Ardhanarishwar Shiva himself is complete only with Shakti, Modi remarked.
Drawing a connection between spirituality and modern scientific achievements, Modi referred to India’s successful lunar mission carried out by Indian Space Research Organisation. He recalled that the landing site of India’s rover during the Chandrayaan mission was named Shiv Shakti Point.
According to the Prime Minister, the symbolism reflected India’s belief system in which the Moon is associated with Shiva and Shiva is linked with Shakti. He further pointed out that the Somnath Jyotirlinga itself derives its name from Soma, meaning the Moon.
Modi said India’s scientific progress and technological development should continue to draw inspiration from the philosophy of Shiva and Shakti. He expressed hope that the combination of spiritual values and scientific advancement would guide the nation’s future growth.
The remarks formed part of the broader Somnath Amrut Mahotsav celebrations marking the 75th anniversary of the reconstruction of the Somnath Temple, an event that leaders described as symbolic of India’s cultural resurgence and civilisational continuity.