Nuclear Bomb

Summary

This one-page resolution, adopted by the Swatantra Party General Council on 28 May 1966, rejects any Indian programme to manufacture nuclear weapons. It affirms that the position taken under Jawaharlal Nehru’s leadership remains valid and presents nuclear armament as both strategically dangerous and economically irresponsible for a country dependent on foreign aid even for basic civil necessities.

The resolution argues that weapons production would initiate a ruinous arms race, lead to economic ruin and moral stultification, and that India should instead seek international prohibition of nuclear weapons. Until such a ban exists, it recommends seeking an assurance from the United States—referring to President Johnson’s October 1964 offer—that it would provide full protection against a nuclear threat. The motion was moved by C. Rajagopalachari and seconded by Dhyabhai V. Patel.

Key points

• The Swatantra Party formally opposes any Indian scheme to manufacture nuclear weapons.
• The resolution endorses the position associated with Jawaharlal Nehru’s leadership on the issue.
• Nuclear armament is portrayed as likely to produce a ruinous arms race and impose severe economic and moral costs.
• India’s dependence on foreign aid for civil necessities is cited as a reason not to enter a nuclear race.
• The party calls for nuclear weapons to be internationally banned.
• Pending such a ban, it recommends seeking a US security assurance based on President Johnson’s October 1964 offer.
• C. Rajagopalachari moved the resolution, and Dhyabhai V. Patel seconded it.