This annotated chronology is based on the data sources that follow each entry. Public sources often provide conflicting information on classified military programs. In some cases we are unable to resolve these discrepancies, in others we have deliberately refrained from doing so to highlight the potential influence of false or misleading information as it appeared over time. In many cases, we are unable to independently verify claims. Hence in reviewing this chronology, readers should take into account the credibility of the sources employed here.

Inclusion in this chronology does not necessarily indicate that a particular development is of direct or indirect proliferation significance. Some entries provide international or domestic context for technological development and national policymaking. Moreover, some entries may refer to developments with positive consequences for nonproliferation.

1987
The Soviet Union reportedly offers India technology transfer for a two nuclear reactor, two screw nuclear submarine design; the offer is accepted by India's Minister of State for Defense Arun Singh in principle. However, the Indian Navy (IN) opposes the new offer on grounds that changes in the submarine's design at this stage would lead to greater program delays and cost-overruns. Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi overrules Singh and sticks with the original one reactor, one screw design. However, there is some concern in the IN that the original Soviet blueprint of an 85MW single reactor might translate into 40MW of outputted power, which would make the Indian nuclear submarine under-powered. The Soviet technology transfer mainly involves information on a pressurized heavy water reactor and a titanium double hull design to resist pressures up to a depth of 1,000-meters.
—Bharat Karnad, "The Perils of Deterrence by Half Measures," Nuclear Weapons & Indian Security: The Realist Foundations of Strategy (New Delhi: Macmillan India Limited, 2002), pp. 651-652, 656.

9 January 1987
Jili Press reports that Toshiba Corporation will send a "Tokamak" nuclear reactor to India's Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics. Toshiba says the reactor is for experimental use only.
—"Toshiba to Ship Nuclear Fusion Reactor to India," Jili Press (Tokyo), 9 January 1987; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 9 January 1987, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

Early or Mid-January 1987
India's Ambassador to Pakistan S.K. Singh is summoned to the Pakistani foreign office. Singh is allegedly told by Pakistan's foreign minister Zain Noorani that he has been authorized to convey the message that if India takes any action not conducive to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Pakistan, Islamabad will consider inflicting "unacceptable damage on India." Noorani further warns that Pakistan's actions will not restricted to northern India, but include targets beyond. In response to Singh's query whether the message implies threats to Bombay, Noorani replies, "it might be so."
—"The Nuclear Backdrop," From Surprise to Reckoning: The Kargil Review Committee Report (New Delhi: Sage Publications, 15 December 1999), p. 191.

Early to Mid-January 1987 
Pakistan redeploys its Army Reserve South (ARS) and Army Reserve North (ARN) in a manner that establishes the potential for Pakistan to undertake a pincer movement to capture a salient in Indian Punjab and disrupt Indian communications with the state of Jammu & Kashmir.
—Kanti P. Bajpai et al., "India and the Initiation of a Crisis," Brasstacks and Beyond: Perception and Management of Crisis in South Asia (New Delhi: Manohar Publishers & Distributors, 1995), p. 32.

Mid-January 1987
Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and senior government officials debate launching a pre-emptive conventional attack on Pakistan's Army Reserve South, a move that would also neutralize Pakistan's nuclear weapons related facilities. However, the prime minister ultimately favors a negotiated end to the standoff.
—George Perkovich, "Nuclear Capabilities Grow," India's Nuclear Bomb: The Impact on Global Proliferation (Berkeley, Los Angeles, and London: University of California Press, 1999), p. 280.

18-20 January 1987
India's Chief of Army Staff General K. Sundarji expresses concern at Pakistani military deployments in a press briefing. Sundarji's concerns are repeated by Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi at a press conference on 20 January.
—Kanti P. Bajpai et al., "India and the Initiation of a Crisis," Brasstacks and Beyond: Perception and Management of Crisis in South Asia (New Delhi: Manohar Publishers & Distributors, 1995), pp. 33-34.

19 January 1987
The Indian Army authorizes movement of troops into forward defensive positions along the western border.
—Kanti P. Bajpai et al., "India and the Initiation of a Crisis," Brasstacks and Beyond: Perception and Management of Crisis in South Asia (New Delhi: Manohar Publishers & Distributors, 1995), p. 34.

23 January 1987
The Pakistani foreign ministry proposes talks with India to end the military standoff between the two countries. An Indian foreign ministry spokesperson seconds the proposal. On 25 January, both countries agree to negotiations stating that their military deployments are precautionary and defensive.
—Kanti P. Bajpai et al., "India and the Initiation of a Crisis," Brasstacks and Beyond: Perception and Management of Crisis in South Asia (New Delhi: Manohar Publishers & Distributors, 1995), p. 34.

25 January 1987
India agrees to Pakistan's proposals to hold talks to defuse the Brasstacks crisis.
—Kanti P. Bajpai et al., "India and the Initiation of a Crisis," Brasstacks and Beyond: Perception and Management of Crisis in South Asia (New Delhi: Manohar Publishers & Distributors, 1995), p. 35.

25 January 1987
Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi bypasses the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) and establishes a committee to study the feasibility of a Soviet offer to build 440MW nuclear reactors. M.G.K. Menon, head of the committee says, "I'm studying several proposals including the Soviet offer, which was made long ago." The deal may include "some sharing of nuclear fuel technology, which one scientific source said could include atomic vapor laser isotope separation technology," Nucleonics Week reports. The Soviet offer also includes attractive credit terms. The DAE does not support the purchase of Soviet reactors because it would make India more dependent on foreign supplies of enriched uranium, and it would require international safeguards.
—"India: Gandhi said Considering Soviet Reactor Offer," Nucleonics Week, 29 January 1987, p. 13.

28 January 1987
Indian journalist Kuldip Nayar meets Pakistani nuclear scientist Dr. A. Q. Khan in Islamabad. During the meeting, Khan informs Nayar that Pakistan has succeeded in enriching uranium to weapons-grade, and can build nuclear weapons. Khan adds, "...nobody can undo Pakistan or take us for granted. We are here to stay and let it be clear that we shall use the bomb if our existence is threatened."
—Kanti P. Bajpai et al., "India and the Initiation of a Crisis," Brasstacks and Beyond: Perception and Management of Crisis in South Asia (New Delhi: Manohar Publishers & Distributors, 1995), p. 39.

31 January 1987
Indian and Pakistani delegations begin negotiations in New Delhi to end the military standoff.
—Kanti P. Bajpai et al., "India and the Initiation of a Crisis," Brasstacks and Beyond: Perception and Management of Crisis in South Asia (New Delhi: Manohar Publishers & Distributors, 1995), p. 36.

4 February 1987
Indian and Pakistani negotiators announce that they have reached an agreement for sector-by-sector withdrawal of troops from the border.
—Kanti P. Bajpai et al., "India and the Initiation of a Crisis," Brasstacks and Beyond: Perception and Management of Crisis in South Asia (New Delhi: Manohar Publishers & Distributors, 1995), p. 36 .

9 February 1987
The head of the Indian Nuclear Power Board, Dr. M.R. Srinivasan, is appointed Chairman of India's Atomic Energy Commission (AEC); Srinivasan replaces Dr. Raja Ramanna. Srinivasan will also serve as secretary of the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE).
—"New Head of Atomic Energy Commission," Press Trust of India, 11 February 1987; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 11 February 1987, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

Spring 1987
The Indian military launches a major exercise along the Chinese border in North East India. The exercise is dubbed Operation Chequerboard. The exercise is mounted to test Indian military responses in the Northeast Himalayan region and possibly the US and Soviet reaction to potential Sino-Indian tensions in the region. The military exercise coincides with statements from India's Chief of Army Staff General K. Sundarji that India recognizes that it has major boundary differences with China and Indian deployments are intended to give Beijing the benefit of the doubt.
—George Perkovich, "Nuclear Capabilities Grow," India's Nuclear Bomb: The Impact on Global Proliferation (Berkeley, Los Angeles, and London: University of California Press, 1999), p. 289.

1 March 1987
Kuldip Nayar publishes Khan's interview in the London-based Observer.
—Kanti P. Bajpai et al., "India and the Initiation of a Crisis," Brasstacks and Beyond: Perception and Management of Crisis in South Asia (New Delhi: Manohar Publishers & Distributors, 1995), p. 39.

3 March 1987
In response to the British Observer interview with the Pakistani nuclear scientists Dr. A.Q. Khan, in which he states Pakistan had developed a nuclear bomb, Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi orders the Ministries for External Affairs and Defense to provide more detailed information on Pakistan's nuclear status. Gandhi also states that Pakistan's "clandestine" non-peaceful nuclear program has gathered momentum in the last few years, and is "among the serious issues hampering normalization of relations" between India and Pakistan.
—"Rajiv Gandhi on Pakistan's Nuclear Program," Xinhua (Beijing), 3 March 1985; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 11 February 1987, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; John Elliott, "Gandhi Hits at US over Pakistan 'Bomb'," Financial Times (London), 4 March 1987, p. 3; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 4 March 1987, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

5 March 1987
Indian Minster of State for Science and Technology, K.R. Narayanan announces to the Rajya Sabha (upper house of parliament) that the Soviet Union "has offered to assist India in the construction of a nuclear power plant." However, it is reported that India is reluctant to accept any Soviet offer, especially in light of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster.
—"Soviet Offer to Build Nuclear Power Plant in India Confirmed," Xinhua (Beijing), 5 March 1987; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 5 March 1987, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

12 March 1987
India announces it will increase its nuclear budget to USD 510 million for the fiscal year 1987-88; this represents a $50 million increase from the previous year. The additional funds are primarily directed towards heavy water projects at Manuguru and Hazira and the synthesis gas plant at Nangal. A sum of $76 million is earmarked for fuel reprocessing and other projects at the Bhabha Atomic Research Center (BARC).
—"India: India Increases Nuclear Budget $50 million," Nucleonic Week, 12 March 1987, p. 16.

14 March 1987
The Indian government claims that there is nothing new in Dr. A.Q. Khan's public disclosures about Pakistan's nuclear weapon capabilities, and India has no intentions of manufacturing nuclear weapons.
—George Perkovich, "Nuclear Capabilities Grow," India's Nuclear Bomb: The Impact on Global Proliferation (Berkeley, Los Angeles, and London: University of California Press, 1999), p. 282.

2 April 1987
Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi tells US reporters that any nuclear bomb manufactured by Pakistan would be "an Islamic bomb...which is funded by the Arabs and will be made available to Arabs."
—"Pakistan Raps Gandhi's A-bomb Comment," UPI, 2 April 1987; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 2 April 1987, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

15 April 1987
Indian Minister of State for Science and Technology K.R. Narayanan tells parliament that India has received an offer from France to construct a nuclear power plant. Earlier, the Soviet Union offered to help build a nuclear power plant; but the offer was turned down because "Soviet reactors are not technically reliable."
—"France Offers to Set up Nuclear Power Plant in India," Xinhua (Beijing), 15 April 1987; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 15 April 1987, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

23 April 1987
India's Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) Chairman Dr. M.R. Srinivasan says India's nuclear generating capacity will be raised from the present 1,000MW to 10,000MW by the year 2000. Under the larger nuclear program, the 235MW Narora unit will be commissioned by 1988-89, and the 235MW 2x Kakrapara units in western state of Gujarat in 1990. The 235MW 2x third and fourth units in northwest Rajasthan state will be expanded by 1994-95. Priority for nuclear development will be given to the resource scarce southern and northwestern parts of India.
—"Nuclear Capacity to be Increase tenfold," Press Trust of India, 23 April 1987; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 13 May 1987, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

27 April 1987
During a debate on the defense budget in parliament, Indian defense minister K.C. Pant says Pakistan's intent to manufacture an atomic bomb might also lead India to build an atomic bomb. Pant states, "The emerging nuclear threat to us from Pakistan is forcing us to review our options. I assure the House that our response will be adequate to our perception of the threat."
—"India Reviews Nuclear Option," Xinhua (Beijing), 27 April 1987; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 27 April 1987, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "Official Warns India May Build Bomb," UPI, 27 April 1987; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 27 April 1987, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

January 1987-May 1987
In view of tensions, India and China steadily build up troops along the border. By May, both sides are estimated to have deployed nearly 200,000 troops each. The local Indian military commanders reportedly query the government as to India's response in the event China were to use nuclear weapons. The government tells military leaders that they will be informed of India's response when such an eventuality arises.
—George Perkovich, "Nuclear Capabilities Grow," India's Nuclear Bomb: The Impact on Global Proliferation (Berkeley, Los Angeles, and London: University of California Press, 1999), p. 289.

8 May 1987
K.R. Narayanan, Minister of State for Science and Technology, reports that India is "seriously considering an offer from the Soviet Union to set up a nuclear reactor in the country." Narayanan also confirms India is receiving enriched uranium for the Tarapur Nuclear Power Plant from France.
—"India Considers Soviet Nuclear Power Plant Offer," Xinhua (Beijing), 8 May 1987; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 8 May 1987, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

14 May 1987
A publication by India's nuclear power board characterizes the country's nuclear power stations as "inherently safe." The publication also compares India's use of heavy water as a moderator and a coolant with the Soviet Chernobyl-type reactors that use graphite as a moderator; the former is regarded as more safe.
—"Indian N-Reactors Claimed Safe," Xinhua (Beijing), 14 May 1987; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 14 May 1987, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

18 June 1987
While addressing the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) foreign minister's meeting, Pakistani foreign minister Yaqub Khan calls for a dialogue on regional arrangements for nuclear non-proliferation in South Asia. He adds that Pakistan is ready to join any regional arrangement.
—"Pakistan Calls for Dialogue on Nuclear Non-proliferation in South Asia," Xinhua (Beijing), 18 June 1987; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 18 June 1987, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

29 June 1987
On the insistence of Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, a committee consisting of India's top nuclear scientists prepares a negotiation paper for accepting Soviet aid on constructing Soviet-made nuclear power plants. For India to accept the offer, the paper outlines a firm non-negotiable commitment from the Soviet Union on a long-term supply of nuclear fuel for the proposed plants.
—"India to Negotiate with Moscow on Nuclear Power Plants, Says India Newspaper," Xinhua (Beijing), 29 June 1987; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 29 June 1987, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

8 July 1987
During a press conference in Japan, Pakistani Prime Minister Mohammad Khan Junejo offers to allow India to inspect the Kahuta uranium enrichment plant near Rawalpindi in exchange for reciprocal inspections by Pakistan of an Indian nuclear facility.
—"Kyodo Interviews Junejo: Offer to India on Nuclear Inspections," Kyodo News Service (Tokyo), 8 July 1987; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 8 July 1987, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

23 July 1987
The head of India's Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), M. Srinivasan, says India is not constructing a uranium enrichment industrial plant, though scientists are currently researching uranium enrichment on a laboratory scale at the Bhabha Atomic Research Center (BARC). He adds the alleged uranium enrichment facility in southern India is a plant associated with rare earth processing. Srinivasan also notes that repairs at the Talcher heavy water facility have been completed, although problems at the adjoining fertilizer plant has hampered heavy water production.
—Vyvyan Tenorio, "India is Not Building an Enrichment Plant," Nucleonics Week, 23 July 1987, p. 13.

August 1987
India and China begin to pull back troops from the border area.
—George Perkovich, "Nuclear Capabilities Grow," India's Nuclear Bomb: The Impact on Global Proliferation (Berkeley, Los Angeles, and London: University of California Press, 1999), p. 289.

3 August 1987
Indian Minister of State for Atomic Energy K. R. Narayanan tells parliament the Rajiv Gandhi government will establish a nuclear power corporation "to implement its commitment of generating 10,000MW of nuclear energy by the turn of the century." The new nuclear power corporation will be responsible for allocating scarce resources and oversee the designing and operational set-up of all nuclear power plants. It will also be responsible for raising funds on the open market.
—"India to Set Up Nuclear Power Corporation," Xinhua (Beijing), 3 August 1987; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 3 August 1987, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

6 August 1987
Indian Minister of State for Atomic Energy K.R. Narayanan confirms that a delegation from the Soviet Union has discussed plans for setting up pressurized light water nuclear power plants with the Indian Atomic Energy Commission (AEC). Narayanan adds that, "discussions are continuing on technical, economic, and other aspects of the offer."
—"India, Soviet Union Discuss Establishment of Nuclear Power Plants in India," Xinhua (Beijing), 6 August 1987; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 6 August 1987, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

6 August 1987
India's Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) Chairman M.R. Srinivasan categorically denies having said that India has a "comprehensive" nuclear weapons program. An official press release explains that he actually said India has a nuclear energy capability, which has "always been directed towards peaceful application."
—"Energy Chief Denies India has Atom Bomb Program," Press Trust of India, 6 August 1987; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 8 August 1987, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

7 August 1987
Indian Minister of State for External Affairs K. Natwar Singh tells parliament that Pakistan's proposal for mutual inspection of each other's nuclear facilities is "neither practicable nor workable."
—"India Rejects Pakistani Proposal for Mutual Inspection of Nuclear Facilities," Press Trust of India, 7 August 1987; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 10 August 1987, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

9 August 1987
Unit 1 of the Rajasthan Atomic Power Station (RAPS-1) is derated to 100MW, or just less than 50 percent is its total generating capacity. The unit was shut down in 1985 because of recurrent leakage in its end-shield. Secretary to the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) says, "We want to observe the performance and take a look at the end-shield for any light water leaks over a regular period."
—"India: Rapp-1 Taken to Half Power," Nucleonics Week, 10 September 1987, p. 3.

13 August 1987
K.R. Narayanan, minister of State for Science and Technology, informs parliament that India's known uranium reserves are adequate to support an installed capacity of 10,000MW. Also, he says the amount of thorium reserves (a new source of nuclear fuel made in India) will provide an "inexhaustible source of power" when fully developed.
—"India has Adequate Nuclear Fuel Reserves, Says Minister," Xinhua (Beijing), 13 August 1987; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 13 August 1987, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

20 August 1987
Gary Milhollin, a law professor at the University of Wisconsin, publishes an article in the American Journal of International Law that argues India may develop nuclear weapons to counter a nuclear threat from Pakistan. "The Pakistan program has primarily been in response to the Indian program. They've gone all out since the 1974 test. If the Pakistanis go over the line and build nuclear weapons, then the Indians will be under enormous pressure to respond and will probably have to build their own weapons." Milhollin calls on the United States and other nuclear powers to intervene in South Asian to stop an arms race. He says, "It looks very bad for stopping the nuclear arms contest between those countries unless the nuclear supplier nations can get together." Milhollin also sees that India will have the ability to "export a number of nuclear items such as plutonium."
—Tim Ahern, "Report Says India is on Way to Developing Nuclear Weapons," Associated Press, 21 August 1987; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 21 August 1987, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

20 August 1987
The Director of the Bhabha Atomic Research Center (BARC), Dr. P.K. Iyengar, says India will be able to export heavy water technology and nuclear power reactors in a few years. He adds BARC has the ability to make nuclear bombs, but denies reports of a secret bomb factory near Mysore in the southern state of Karnataka.
—"India will be able to Export Nuclear Reactors within a Few Years," Press Trust of India, 20 August 1987; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 22 August 1987, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

27 August 1987
Indian Minister for Science and Technology K.R. Narayanan tells parliament that India will import 2.3 billion rupees ($177 million) worth of components and equipment for the four heavy water reactors that are currently under construction. Since India is not a member of the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and will not accept international safeguards on its nuclear facilities, it can only import non-sensitive nuclear components. Because India has placed a heavy emphasis on indigenous production of nuclear energy, some observers have expressed surprise on the amount of imported material needed for the 235MW plants.
—"India Importing Millions for PHWRs," Nucleonics Week, 10 September 1987, p. 13.

1 September 1987
Pakistan urges India to accept its proposal to declare South Asia a nuclear-weapon-free zone.
—"Pakistan Seeks Indian Cooperation in Reactor Building," Kyodo News Service (Tokyo), 1 September 1987; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 1 September 1987, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

2 September 1987
Delegates to the conference on "Nuclear Disarmament in South Asia" push for India and Pakistan to improve bilateral relations. The Sri Lankan delegate adds, "The duty of India and Pakistan is to work for the prevention of nuclear war for the health and happiness of the people of South Asia."
—"India, Pakistan asked to Work for Peace and Stability in South Asia," Xinhua (Beijing), 2 September 1987; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 2 September 1987, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

7 September 1987
India announces plans to establish a second nuclear fuel complex at the port of Visakhapatnam. Visakhapatnam is also a major Indian naval base. The current nuclear fuel complex (NFC) is located in Hyderabad. According to Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) estimates, India will need to increase its production of PHWR fuel by 600 percent to 1,500 metric tons per year, and the production of zircaloy needs to be raised five times to 250 tons per year in order for India to achieve 10,000MW generating capacity by the year 2000. The current installed capacity is 1,330MW. The DAE also intends to construct a new zirconium plant and a new uranium oxide fuel facility. Further, it will expand its existing zircaloy and fuel assembly plants.
—"India: India Plans Second Fuel Complex," Nuclear Fuel, 7 September 1987, p. 13.

10 September 1987
The 100MW Dhruva research reactor's current generating capacity is increased to 80MW. Until now, the research reactor had been operating at 60MW following the completion of its repairs that have been ongoing since 1985 at the Bhabha Atomic Research Center (BARC). In an interview with Nucleonics Week, Department of Energy (DAE) Chairman M. Srinivasan says many modifications were made to correct fuel vibrations and the fuel "has performed well." K.V.M. Rao, a senior Indian atomic energy official says, "The design was slightly modified in order to dampen the vibrations." Srinivasan also notes that the 40MW fast breeder test reactor (FBTR) at Kalpakkam is "being made ready to start with an enlarged core sometime in the near future." The FBTR has been operating on a smaller start-up core since 1985.
—"India: Dhruva Cleared for Power Ascension," Nucleonics Week, 10 September 1987, p. 13.

21 September 1987
During an interview with India television, Indian Minister of State for External Affairs, Natwar Singh, says, "India's nuclear explorations have never been aimed at developing weapons and are being conducted in the interests of social and economic development, for the good of the Indian people."
—"Interview by Indian Foreign Minister," ITAR-TASS (Moscow), 21 September 1987; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 21 September 1987, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

24 September 1987
In a speech to the United Nations General Assembly, Pakistani Prime Minister Mohammad Khan Junejo proposes that Pakistan and India jointly accept a nuclear-free zone and regional test ban treaty in South Asia. To achieve this end, Junejo recommends holding a United Nations conference on nuclear nonproliferation in South Asia. He says, "Pakistan is prepared to go further and subscribe to a comprehensive test ban in a global, regional, or bilateral context. The conclusion of a bilateral test ban agreement between Pakistan and India would serve to assure each other, and the world, that neither country has any intention of pursuing the nuclear weapons option." An India diplomat responds to Junejo's speech by stating, "The main thing is Pakistan must stop doing what the whole world knows it is doing – clandestinely developing nuclear weapons."
—"Pakistan Proposes Nuclear Test Ban in South Asia," New York Times, 25 September 1987, p. A9; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 25 September 1987, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

9 October 1987
India and the United States sign two agreements that pave the way for the first ever US sale of supercomputers to a non-Western country and a nation that that close military and economic ties with the Soviet Union. Withdrawing its initial request for a more advanced supercomputer, the XMP-24, India is set to purchase the less sophisticated XMP-14. India says its needs the supercomputers to research weather patterns, especially the seasonal monsoon rainstorms.
—T.S.K. Lingam, "US Signs First Sale of Supercomputers to non-Western Nation," UPI, 9 October 1987, in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 9 October 1987, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; Steve R. Weisman, "India and US Agree on Supercomputer Sale," New York Times, 9 October 1987, p. D1; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 9 October 1987, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

11 October 1987
New Delhi applauds the recent action taken by the US Congress to suspend aid to Pakistan because of its nuclear program, but rejects the call by Washington for a test ban treaty between India and Pakistan. Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi adds, "We [India] feel it will not stop their nuclear program. We don't think, especially in the situation in Pakistan, that we will be able to achieve a freezing of their nuclear weapons program just by inspections." Gandhi believes such a treaty would give the Reagan administration an opportunity to "turn a blind eye to what they (Pakistan) are doing."
—Steven R. Weisman, "India Rejects Idea for Nuclear Ban," New York Times, 11 October 1987, p. A15; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 11 October 1987, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

16 October 1987
India's Nuclear Power Board is renamed the Nuclear Power Corporation, and will be responsible for the design, construction and operation of India's nuclear power plants.
—"Nuclear Power Corporation Set Up," New Delhi Home Service, 16 October 1987; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 28 October 1987, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

20 October 1987
Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi urges US officials to terminate economic and military aid to Islamabad in order to slow down Pakistan's nuclear weapons program. When asked whether Pakistan's nuclear weapons program would force India to go nuclear, Gandhi remarks, "we'll evaluate the situation when it comes...we feel the costs of going nuclear, not just the money cost, but all other costs, are much too heavy and we would like to do anything to prevent ourselves going nuclear."
—Cited in, George Perkovich, "Nuclear Capabilities Grow," India's Nuclear Bomb: The Impact on Global Proliferation (Berkeley, Los Angeles, and London: University of California Press, 1999), p. 291.

21 October 1987
During a farewell lunch with Indian Prime Minster Rajiv Gandhi, United States President Ronald Reagan assures Gandhi that US aid to Pakistan is not directed towards India. Reagan also urges that "India and Pakistan intensify their dialogue to build mutual confidence, resolve outstanding issues and deal with the threat of nuclear proliferation in the region." In response, Gandhi replies, "We do not have nuclear weapons, we do not want nuclear weapons, and we certainly do not want nuclear weapons in our neighborhood. We have no intention of producing nuclear weapons unless constrained to do so."
—W. Dale Nelson, "Gandhi Says India Doesn't Want Nuclear Weapons," Associated Press, 21 October 1987; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 21 October 1987, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

3 November 1987
At the third annual summit of the South Asian Association for Regional Co-operation (SAARC) in Nepal, Pakistan, Nepal, and Bhutan call on India to change its policy on the nuclear weapons test ban treaty. As of yet, India has refused to enter into a bilateral test ban treaty with Pakistan because it believes the treaty should include India's larger, established nuclear power, China.
—John Elliott, "India Urged by Neighbors to Change Nuclear Policy," Financial Times (London), 3 November 1987, p. 4; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 3 November 1987, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

12 November 1987
Speaking before Rajya Sabha (India's upper house of parliament), Prime Minster Rajiv Gandhi says the nuclear programs of India and Pakistan should be treated differently because they have different aims. "While India conducted nuclear research for peaceful purposes and was prepared to open its nuclear facilities to inspection, the Pakistani program was directed at developing weapons." Gandhi adds that Pakistan's nuclear program was furthered by stealing nuclear technology from other countries, and other illegal methods.
—"Gandhi – Pakistan and Nuclear Bomb," ITAR-TASS (Moscow), 12 November 1987; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 12 November 1987, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

20 November 1987
India and China begin the eight round of talks on the boundary dispute. Although no breakthroughs are achieved, the talks end on a positive note.
—George Perkovich, "Nuclear Capabilities Grow," India's Nuclear Bomb: The Impact on Global Proliferation (Berkeley, Los Angeles, and London: University of California Press, 1999), p. 290.

26 November 1987
Admiral R.H. Tahiliani, Chief of Indian Naval Staff, says the Indian Navy may purchase nuclear propelled submarines from the Soviet Union. Negotiations with Soviet Union are under way, and the initial training of Indian naval personal has been conducted.
—"India to buy Nuclear propelled Submarines from Soviet Union," Xinhua (Beijing), 26 November 1987; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 26 November 1987, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

December 1988
Rajiv Gandhi travels for a state visit to China, the first since Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru visited China in the 1950s. During Gandhi's visit, India and China agree that "peace and tranquility" should be maintained on the border as both sides negotiate to resolve the dispute through consultations and dialogues.
—George Perkovich, "The Nuclear Threat Grows Amid Political Uncertainty," India's Nuclear Bomb: The Impact on Global Proliferation (Berkeley, Los Angeles, and London: University of California Press, 1999), pp. 298-299.

3 December 1987
The Washington Post reports the US Senate Appropriations Committee has approved an amendment to the Foreign Assistance Act that will link US foreign aid to a country's position on producing weapons grade enriched uranium or separation of plutonium in unsafeguarded facilities. Indian defense analyst and diplomats see the Senate action as a way to justify continuing aid to Pakistan "despite Islamabad's apparent contravention of US laws aimed at preventing nuclear proliferation." An Indian diplomat says, "If a Senate committee feels it wants or needs to aid Pakistan, let it do so....It will only confirm to Pakistan that they can steal (nuclear technology) and the United States will just look the other way. That is the US business, but don't drag India into it." Pakistan is up for a $4.02 billion aid package from the United States, whereas India receives $50 million annually in US aid.
—Richard m. Weintraub, "US Military Tie at Risk, Indians Say; Move in Senate Seen Equating Pakistani, Indian Nuclear Programs," Washington Post, 3 December 1987, p. A32; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 4 December 1987, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

14 December 1987
The Indian Navy acquires one Soviet nuclear powered submarine on lease. The submarine, named the INS Chakra, will arrive at Vishakhapatnam, a port in Andhra Pradesh, on 27 December. It is reported that the INS Chakra will carry conventional, not nuclear, weapons.
—"India Acquires Two Soviet Nuclear-Powered Submarines," Xinhua (Beijing), 14 December 1987; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 14 December 1987, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; John Elliott, "India May Purchase Soviet N-Sub," Financial Times (London), 15 December 1987, p. 4; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 15 December 1987, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

14 December 1987
Denying that India has bargained away its nuclear option, India's External Affairs Minister Natwar Singh tells parliament that India will not sign the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) "until the two superpowers take 'definite steps' to reduce their nuclear arsenals and limit the militarization of space." Singh adds that Pakistan is believed to be on the threshold of developing a deployable nuclear weapon, and China is already a nuclear power. Hence, the time is not right for India to contemplate signing the NPT.
—"India: Still Will Not Sign Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty," Inter Press Service, 14 December 1987; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 14 December 1987, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

Late 1987
Indian nuclear weaponization efforts continue. Officials from the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) and the Bhabha Atomic Research Center (BARC) inform the prime minister and selected top government officials that they can assemble nuclear warheads within weeks. However, Indian Air Force (IAF) officers entrusted with the task of air delivery are skeptical, as the IAF has still not modified aircraft or tested the requisite systems for air deliverable nuclear weapons. Nuclear scientists reportedly advise the prime minister that India continue weaponization efforts without launching an overt nuclearization program. Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi subsequently sanctions funds to make the short-range Prithvi ballistic missiles nuclear capable as well as augment the existing aircraft-deliverable nuclear ordnance. The Scientific Advisor to the Indian government, V.S. Arunachalam, becomes the coordinator of the weaponization efforts.
—George Perkovich, "Nuclear Capabilities Grow," India's Nuclear Bomb: The Impact on Global Proliferation (Berkeley, Los Angeles, and London: University of California Press, 1999), p. 283; Bharat Karnad, "Hesitant Nuclear Realpolitik: 1966-To Date," Nuclear Weapons and Indian Security: The Realist Foundations of Strategy (New Delhi: Macmillan, 2002), pp. 355-356.