---
title: "Pokhran-I (Smiling Buddha, 1974): India's First Test"
description: "Pokhran-I, codenamed Smiling Buddha, was India's first nuclear test on 18 May 1974, declared a \"peaceful nuclear explosion\"—the move that triggered the NSG."
url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/pokhran-i-smiling-buddha"
---

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Model Diplomat Research Team · Last reviewed June 22, 2026

TL;DR

- Pokhran-I, codenamed Smiling Buddha, was India's first nuclear explosion, detonated underground at the Pokhran test range in Rajasthan on 18 May 1974.
- Why did India call Pokhran-I a 'peaceful nuclear explosion'?
- Did Pokhran-I violate the NPT?
- How did Pokhran-I lead to the Nuclear Suppliers Group?
- What distinguishes Pokhran-I from Pokhran-II?

[Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services/glossary)Updated June 22, 2026

Pokhran-I, codenamed Smiling Buddha, was India's first nuclear explosion, detonated underground at the Pokhran test range in Rajasthan on 18 May 1974.

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## Timeline

1. 18 May 1974

   Pokhran-I, codenamed Smiling Buddha, was India's first nuclear explosion, detonated underground at the Pokhran test range in Rajasthan on .

2. 13 May 1998

   Pokhran-I must be distinguished from Pokhran-II (codenamed Operation Shakti), the series of five tests conducted on 11 and under Prime Minister Atal Bihari…

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Example

On 18 May 1974, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi authorized the detonation of India's first nuclear device at Pokhran, Rajasthan, receiving the coded confirmation "the Buddha is smiling."

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