1 January 2001
India and Pakistan exchange list of nuclear installations and facilities in accordance with the 1990 agreement that prohibits both countries from attacking such installations.
--"Pakistan, India swap lists of nuclear installations," AFP, 1 January 2001; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 1 January 2001, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

1 January 2001
The Jane's Intelligence Review asserts that India's nuclear weaponization is proceeding at a slow pace. In comparison, Pakistan has moved more quickly to implement effective systems and procedures for its more modest nuclear arsenal. India's slow attempts at achieving an operational nuclear capability can be attributed to its political leadership, which has not thought through a nuclear use doctrine and does not regard nuclear weapons as instruments that can be used on the military battlefield. However, Pakistan's nuclear forces have been controlled by the Army; and the weapons have been integrated into the country's military strategy.
--Andrew Koch, "India, Pakistan: nuclear arms race gets off to a slow start," Jane's Intelligence Review, 1 January 2001, http://www4.janes.com, (2 March 2005).

3 January 2001
The Chairman and Managing Director of India's Nuclear Power Corporation V.K. Chaturvedi says that India expects the "general agreement on the implementation of the [Koodankulam nuclear power] project to be signed in June-July after the techno-commercial offer is made by the Russians." According to Chaturvedi, the Indian government has approved the construction of the third and fourth phases of the Kaiga nuclear power plant projects and approval of the same projects by the union cabinet is expected later during January 2001. In addition, construction on the third and fourth reactors at Tarapur is already under way. Chaturvedi emphasizes that the capacity factor of India's nuclear power stations improved from 75 percent in 1999 to 81 percent in 2000.
--"Koodankulam Detailed Project Report 'Almost Ready'," Business Line, 3 January 2001; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 3 January 2001, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

4 January 2001
India's Group of Ministers (GoM) consisting of the defense, external affairs, home, and finance ministers, as well as the national security advisor, accepts the Arun Singh committee's recommendation to appoint a Chief of Defense Staff (CDS). The recommendations of the GoM will be forwarded to the prime minister and the cabinet for formal approval. The CDS will report to the defense minister and represent the armed services at cabinet meetings. The CDS is also expected to have a deputy, a secretariat, and be given formal charge of India's nuclear forces.
--"Nod to proposal for Chief of Defense Staff," Statesman, 4 January 2001; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 4 January 2001, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

5 January 2001
The Indira Gandhi Center for Atomic Research (IGCAR) at Kalpakkam hopes to begin construction of India's 500MWe Prototype Fast Breeder Test Reactor by early 2002. The bulk of the design work on the reactor has been completed; the reactor will use mixed oxide fuel and liquid sodium as coolant. The IGCAR's major private and public sector partners include: Larsen & Toubro, Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited, MTAR Technologies Pvt. Ltd., Kirloskar Brothers Ltd., Steel Authority of India Ltd., Mishra Dhatu Nigam Ltd., Nuclear Fuel Complex, Indian Institutes of Technology at Chennai, Mumbai, and Delhi, the Structural Engineering Research Center at Chennai, the Fluid Control Research Institute in Palakkad and a defense laboratory.
--"A Mission at Kalpakkam: IGCAR is All Set To Begin the Construction of the PFBR," Business Insight, 5 January 2001; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 5 January 2001, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

5 January 2001
Delivering his acceptance speech after being conferred an honorary doctorate at the Mohanlal Sukhadia University in Udaipur, former Chairman of India's Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) Dr. R. Chidambaram says that India should have new tie ups at the international level in nuclear energy. However India's new slogan should be: "self-reliance as immunity against denial of technology." Future collaborations, according to Chidambaram, should be on an equal and participatory basis. He points out that in the next two decades, India would need to create a nuclear power capacity of 20,000MW to meet its energy demands. In pursuit of that goal India is now building 500MW reactors rather than pursuing the earlier policy of constructing 200MW reactors. In the future, India will also increasingly use thorium in the production of nuclear energy.
--"India: Future n-energy tie-ups only on equal basis: AEC chief," Hindu, 6 January 2001; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 6 January 2001, in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

8 January 2001
India and Vietnam sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to continue cooperation in the peaceful utilization of nuclear energy. The basis for this MOU is the agreement between the two governments for the Cooperation for Utilization of Atomic Energy for Peaceful Purposes signed in 1986, which is valid until May 2002. Vietnam expresses interest in concepts relating to nuclear reactors for a future nuclear energy generation program and the new MOU calls for continued cooperation in the field of human resources development and exchange of expertise. As many as 30 Vietnamese scientists have already been trained at Indian facilities dealing with peaceful uses of nuclear energy and the MOU renews visits of a number of Vietnamese scientists to nuclear facilities in India and provides the framework for Indian scientists to cooperate with the Vietnamese Atomic Research Institute. India will also supply laboratory equipment for the nuclear research institute in Dalat in South Vietnam on a part grant and part purchase basis.
--"Indian Government Memorandum of Understanding between the Department of Atomic Energy, India (DAE) and the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Environment, Vietnam (MOSTE)," M2 Presswire, 9 January 2001; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 9 January 2001, http://web.lexis-nexis.com; "India to assist Vietnam in nuclear research," Hindu, 9 January 2001; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 9 January 2001, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

11 January 2001
In a meeting with the speaker of India's lower house of parliament (Lok Sabha), G.M.C. Balayogi, the Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National Peoples' Congress (NPC) Mr. Li Peng suggests that China and India do not pose any threat to each other and share similar views on a multipolar world order. In turn, Balayogi suggests that India and China work together to achieve complete nuclear disarmament.
--Press Trust of India, 11 January 2001; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 11 January 2001, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

17 January 2001
India's army chief General Padmanabhan says that the Indian Army is modifying its training, tactics, and equipment to prepare itself to fight a nuclear war. Measures to achieve this capability include the upgrading of armor to be able to operate in a nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons environment, the acquisition of fabricated shelters for protection against a nuclear strike, and the building of information technology-based command, control, communications, and intelligence systems by 2010. Padmanabhan proposes to "fine tune" India's nuclear strategy, saying "if we have the capability, it is necessary that we should be prepared with our doctrines, tactics, and plans." In the event of a nuclear strike, the Indian Army (IA) will adopt "wider dispersal tactics," explains Padmanabhan. He adds that in the near certainty of an electronic blackout where there would be "zero or no communications," battalion and brigade commanders and small special forces must function effectively to achieve their goals. However, the task of India's nuclear force will be to deter potential adversaries as nuclear weapons are not war fighting weapons. Nonetheless India must build up a second-strike capability, "...so crushing that the other side would think 20 times before undertaking the initial strike. The fact that we [India] have a thermonuclear weapon is also not unknown to the other side. They have nothing matching it."
--Rahul Bedi, "General Sunderajan Padmanabhan India's Chief of Army Staff," Jane's Defense Weekly, 17 January 2001, http://www4.janes.com.

22 January 2001
The Indian Air Force (IAF) advocates the formation of a "nuclear air command" to consolidate India's strategic resources under the IAF. The IAF's advocacy is premised on the assumption that it is the sole service that has the required delivery platforms to undertake such a role. In a paper titled 'Vision 2020' the IAF makes the case that the army might not need a nuclear arm because of the incongruity between tactical nuclear weapons and India's nuclear doctrine. It also argues that nuclear submarines are still "beyond the Indian navy's reach."
--"Indian Air Force Urges formation of 'nuclear air command'," Aerospace Daily, 22 January 2001; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 22 January 2001, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

28 January 2001
Officials from India's Nuclear Power Corporation say that the 440MW Kakrapar Atomic Power Station, which is located a few hundred kilometers from Bhuj in Gujarat state, the epicenter of a massive earthquake, is functioning normally. The plant incorporates a two-layered earthquake resistance design. In the first-stage, the plant is provided with safety features that can withstand and operate during earthquakes which have a return period of 100 years. In the second stage, the power station is designed for a safe shut-down earthquake, which means that in the event of a massive earthquake, the plant shuts down automatically. Once the power reactor is in place, a network of vibration monitoring devices is emplaced to detect earthquakes and trip the plant automatically if necessary.
--"N-power stations working normally," Business Line, 28 January 2001; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 28 January 2001, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

29 January 2001
The Chairman of India's Atomic Energy Commission Dr. Anil Kakodkar says that India will complete the first phase of a 500MW reactor and a related desalination plant at Kalpakkam by 2002. The water treated in the desalination plant will be used in the existing 170MW pressurized heavy water reactor at Kalpakkam.
--"Phase 1 by 2002," Nuclear Engineering International, 29 January 2001; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 29 January 2001, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

4 February 2001
Indian Foreign Minister Jaswant Singh tells a gathering of Egyptian academicians and diplomats in Cairo that India does not have a strategic alliance or nuclear cooperation with Israel.
--"Foreign minister denies nuclear cooperation with Israel," BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 6 February 2001; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 6 February 2001, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

5 February 2001
Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee tells journalists that India will maintain a moratorium on nuclear tests, but does not plan to sign and ratify the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT).
--Vladimir Solntsev, "India to observe moratorium on nuclear tests-premier," ITAR-TASS News Agency, 5 February 2001; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 6 February 2001, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

8 February 2001
Indian Foreign Secretary Lalit Mansingh raises Indian concerns regarding the sale of Chinese nuclear technology and missiles to Pakistan with visiting Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister Wang Yi.
--"Nationwide International News," Press Trust of India, 8 February 2001; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 5 July 2001, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

8 February 2001
The Director of the Indira Gandhi Center for Atomic Research, Kalpakkam, S.B. Bhoje says that India's atomic power generation is projected to increase to 20,000MW by 2020. At present only 2.5 percent of India's power generation comes from nuclear power; but that figure will expand to 5 percent by 2020.
--"Nationwide International News," Press Trust of India, 8 February 2001; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 5 July 2001, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

12 February 2001
The Chairman of India's Atomic Energy Commission Dr. Anil Kakodkar welcomes Russia's proposal to build four more 1,000MW nuclear reactors at Koodankulam in addition to the two upcoming 1,000MW units at the same site. However, Kakodkar cautions, a "lot of work needs to be done in this regard."
--"Nationwide International News," Press Trust of India, 12 February 2001; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 5 July 2001, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

12 February 2001
The head of the Indian Atomic Energy Commission's publicity division Dr. S.K. Malhotra says that all 14 nuclear power reactors in India have built-in protection mechanisms to enable them to withstand high seismic activities. Malhotra adds that India complies with the International Atomic Energy Agency's guidelines in this regard and all Indian nuclear power plants have already been subjected to 'operating basis earthquake' and 'safe shutdown earthquake'.
--"India: 'Nuclear plants can withstand quake', Hindu, 12 February 2001; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 12 February 2001, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

13 February 2001
Russia is "seriously considering" leasing four Tu-22M3 nuclear-capable bombers to India says Victor Komardin, deputy director of Rosoboroneksport, Russia's state-owned arms export agency. Komardin discloses that since the Tu-22M3 is an expensive bomber, Russia has proposed to lease them to New Delhi, after which India could possibly purchase them at a "depreciated cost." Commenting on the rumors that Russia will lease nuclear powered submarines to India, Komardin says that "such a wish has been expressed." But he adds that this is "a delicate issue" and concerns Russia's international commitments.
--Arun Mohanty, "Russia Mulls Leasing N-Capable Bombers to India," Times of India, 13 February 2001; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 18 March 2001, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

14 February 2001
In an address at the Brookings Institute in Washington, D.C., the chairman of the Near East and South Asia Subcommittee of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Senator Sam Brownback urges the Bush Administration to lift the U.S. economic sanctions that were imposed on India in the wake of the 1998 nuclear tests. Senator Brownback says that India and the United States face a "common threat in China" and need to draw closer to one another. Brownback also recommends that the United States focus on trade issues with India, continue to work on nonproliferation differences, start evaluating conditions under which to waive the military sanctions, step up Indo-U.S. defense and security cooperation and increase "our already growing technical cooperation."
--"Nationwide International News," Press Trust of India, 14 February 2001; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 5 July 2001, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

14 February 2001
The Chairman and Managing Director of the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd. V.K. Chaturvedi says that India's first indigenous 500MW pressurized heavy water nuclear reactors at Tarapur will be completed in 2004-2005 respectively. The reactors have a sanctioned cost of 64.21 billion rupees and 21 percent of the work on the units has already been completed.
--"First indigenous 500MW nuclear power plant to be commissioned by 2004," BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 14 February 2001; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 13 February 2001, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

15 February 2001
Indian Defense Minister George Fernandes meets visiting Russian Prime Minister Illya Klebanov. However, Fernandes declines to comment on rumors that India is negotiating the lease of Tu-22M3 bombers and nuclear submarines from Russia. When asked by reporters about the subjects discussed during the meeting, Fernandes comments, "we discussed what we have to."
--"Nationwide International News," Press Trust of India, 15 February 2001; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 5 July 2001, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

17 February 2001
Speculation is rife that the Russian Navy Chief Admiral Vladimir Kuroyedev, who is currently in Mumbai to participate in an international fleet review, will discuss the lease of a nuclear powered submarine when he meets with Indian officials.
--"India, Russia to Discuss Nuclear Submarine Lease," Times of India, 17 February 2001; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 17 March 2001, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

18 February 2001
The U.S. Department of State expresses regrets over Russia's plans to ship 58 tons of low-enriched uranium for India's Tarapur nuclear power plant. State Department spokesperson Philip Reeker says that "As a member of the 39-nation Nuclear Suppliers Group, Russia is committed not to engage in nuclear cooperation with any country that does not have comprehensive International Atomic Energy Agency safeguards on all its nuclear facilities."
--"U.S. opposes Russian nuclear fuel for India," Hindu, 18 February 2001; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 18 February 2001, http://web.lexis-nexis.com; Rahul Bedi, "Moscow ready to give India four reactors and provide nuclear fuel," Irish Times, 21 February 2001; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 21 February 2001, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

19 February 2001
A spokesperson for the Russian naval delegation led by Russian naval chief Admiral Vladimir Kuroyedov denies speculations that Kuroyedov has held talks concerning the leasing of a Russian nuclear submarine with Indian officials.
--"Talks on leasing Russian nuclear submarine to India denied," BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 19 February 2001; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 19 February 2001, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

20 February 2001
Pakistan expresses concern over Russia's supply of nuclear fuel for India's Tarapur nuclear plant and warns that Russia's decision to also supply arms to India would increase the conventional imbalance in the region.
--"Pakistan raps Russian nuclear fuel shipment to India," AFP, 20 February 2001; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 20 February 2001, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

20 February 2001
India rebuts international criticism of Russia's supply of nuclear fuel for the Tarapur nuclear power plant. Indian Foreign Ministry spokesperson R.S. Jassal says, "All imports of fuel for Tarapur Atomic Power Plant have always been under the IAEA safeguard regime....India has consistently and impeccably observed these safeguards. The latest import from Russia is similarly covered, IAEA having been informed about it."
--"India says Russian nuclear fuel approved by IAEA," AFP, 20 February 2001; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 20 February 2001, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

20 February 2001
U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Director George Tenet informs the U.S. Senate's Select Committee on Intelligence that he believes there is a "good prospect" that India and Pakistan will conduct another round of nuclear weapons tests.
--"India, Pakistan could test nukes again," Aerospace Daily, 20 February 2001; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 1 March 2001, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

21 February 2001
The Chairperson of India's Atomic Energy Regulatory Board Mr. S.P. Sukhatne criticizes the safety standards at Indian nuclear power plants at a conference organized by the Indian Association for Radiation Protection. Citing the example of the Kakrapar Atomic Power Station, Sukhatme says that while the individual exposure to workers at Kakrapar was below that of international standards (30 millciverts), the collective dosage received by the workers was three times the international standards. Sukhatme also urges the Atomic Energy Commission to improve the design of pressurized heavy water reactors to reduce the leakage of tritium.
--"Kakrapar workers exposed to high radiation," Times of India, 21 February 2001; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 17 March 2001, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

22 February 2001
An Indian Defense Ministry spokesperson states that India is prepared to meet any challenge posed by Pakistan if Islamabad were to deploy nuclear missiles on its submarines. The spokesperson adds, "we are conscious of the reports and we are alive to the situation."
--"Nationwide International News," Press Trust of India, 22 February 2001; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 5 July 2001, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

22 February 2001
The Director of Russia's Third Asia Department of the Russian Foreign Ministry Aleksandr Alekseyev says Russia will supply nuclear fuel for the Tarapur nuclear power station despite U.S. protests. Alekseyev adds, "Russia, as a member of the Nuclear Suppliers Group, is bound by certain international obligations and we have not violated any of our obligations and explained our position to the US...Russia has changed its internal legislation on the issue and made its position clear to everybody."
--Arun Mohanty, "Russia to continue n-fuel supply despite US protest," Times of India, 22 February 2001; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 17 March 2001, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

25 February 2001
The Chairman of India's Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) Anil Kakodkar says that the operation of the Tarapur nuclear power plant will not be affected even if Russia stops supplying fuel as India has made arrangements for "alternate fuel."
--"Nuke plant will not be affected if Russia stops fuel supply," Press Trust of India, 25 February 2001; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 5 July 2001, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

28 February 2001
Russia approves credit for 85 percent of the $2.5 billion required to build the two 1000MW VVER reactors at Kudankulam. The loan will finance the design and construction of the plant. India is committed to repaying the sum within 12 years.
--"Russia to start work on Indian plant," Nuclear Engineering International, 28 February 2004; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 5 April 2001, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

4 March 2001
The Press Trust of India reports that the chiefs of the Army, Air Force, and Navy will soon draw up the blueprints of India's nuclear command and control infrastructure.
--"Defense chiefs to outline India's nuclear command, control structure," AFP, 4 March 2001; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 4 March 2001, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

9 March 2001
In a public comment on the occasion of releasing the book The Pakistan Trap in New Delhi, Indian Defense Minister George Fernandes says that India launched its nuclear weapons program four decades ago due to threats from China, after India failed to get nuclear security guarantees from the West and the former Soviet Union.
--"India launched nuclear program due to Chinese threat - defense minister," Press Trust of India, 9 March 2001; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 11 March 2001, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

10 March 2001
The Director of India's Indira Gandhi Center for Atomic Research, Kalpakkam says that construction of the 500MW prototype fast breeder reactor will commence by December 2001.
--"India: Nuclear power generation to touch 20,000MW by 2020," Press Trust of India, 11 March 2001; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 11 March 2001, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

14 March 2001
Cracks in six blades produce excessive vibrations, which lead to a 42-day shut down of the Kaiga atomic power station.
--"Kaiga loses Rs. 18 crore due to shutdown," India Business Insight, 14 March 2001; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 20 March 2001, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

16 March 2001
The United Kingdom expresses regret at Russia's decision to supply low-enriched uranium fuel for India's Tarapur atomic power station. The United Kingdom believes that the Russian Federation's decision violates its commitment as a member of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) not to export NSG trigger list goods to countries that have not entered into a comprehensive safeguards agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
--"UK statement regarding Russian supply of nuclear fuel to India," Foreign and Commonwealth Office - Hermes Database, 16 March 2001; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 16 March 2001, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

16 March 2001
The Department of Atomic Energy's (DAE) Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) confers safety awards to the heavy water plant at Kota, Rajasthan; the Manavalakurichi plant of Indian Rare Earths Ltd in Tamil Nadu's Kanyakumari district; and the fast breeder test reactor at the Indira Gandhi Center for Atomic Research, Kalpakkam. An AERB press release says that the 'incidence rate' for nuclear power plants was 3.08 compared to 10.86 for plants using gas and steam to generate electricity. The incidence rate for the Nuclear Fuel Complex, Hyderabad was 3.8 times less than that of factories handling heavy metal products outside the DAE; and the rate for heavy water plants was 12 times less than in chemical plants outside the DAE.
--"Three n-plants win safety awards," Times of India, 16 March 2001; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 20 March 2001, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

16 March 2001
The Chairman of India's Atomic Energy Commission Anil Kakodkar says that India is well on its way toward developing a thorium fueled advanced heavy water reactor (AHWR). According to Kakodkar, "final detailed project report as received on AHWR and thorium related fuel cycle technologies will be ready in 14-15 months based on which investment decision would be taken.
--"India on track for developing thorium fueled nuclear reactors," Press Trust of India, 16 March 2001; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 16 March 2001, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

18 March 2001
Delivering a lecture - "Nehru Revisited" - organized by the Nehru Center in Mumbai, India's former Foreign Secretary J.N. Dixit alleges that the United States wanted India to detonate an atomic bomb prior to the Chinese nuclear test in 1964. According to Dixit, the suggestion was apparently made by then U.S. Secretary of State Dean Rusk, who reportedly told Nehru, "we [United States] will be supportive of you." Dixit also discloses that former Indian Prime Minister Narasimha Rao came close to ordering nuclear tests on two occasions during his tenure; but the decision was deferred because the scientists wanted to a develop a hydrogen bomb.
--"US wanted India to detonate n-bomb in 1964: Dixit," Times of India, 18 March 2001; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 20 March 2001, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

19 March 2001
The External Affairs Minister Jaswant Singh is appointed Minister of Defense in place of George Fernandes, who resigns.
--"Jaswant is defense minister," Hindu, 19 March 2001; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 19 March 2001, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

22 March 2001
Indian government sources suggest that India is unlikely to sign the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty even if Pakistan signs the treaty. India's position on international treaties, the government sources say, is not linked to Pakistan. However, India will continue to abide by the unilateral moratorium on nuclear testing.
--"India unmoved by Pak. line on CTBT," Hindu, 22 March 2001; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 22 March 2001, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

22 March 2001
The Canadian government announces that it is lifting economic sanctions that were imposed on India in the wake of its May 1998 nuclear tests. The reasons for lifting sanctions are spelt out by Canadian Foreign Minister John Manley in London who in an address says, "...while we will continue to call upon India to renounce its nuclear weapons program, we have concluded that to pursue an effective dialogue we need to engage India in all sectors of interest and at all levels. India is a vigorous democracy with one sixth of humanity and an increasingly globally integrated economy."
--Sridhar Krishnaswami, "Canada lifts sanctions," Hindu, 22 March 2001; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 25 March 2001, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

22 March 2001
The Kalpakkam-based fast-breeder test reactor (FBTR) completes 53 days of continuous operation. The reactor was synchronized with the Tamil Nadu grid on 6 October 2000 and was in operation, off and on, until 4 February 2001. Associate Director of the Reactor Operation & Maintenance Group R.P. Kapoor, says that "running continuously for 53 days at full power capacity has boosted our confidence to go in for the prototype fast-breeder reactor. We can now be reassured that all systems connected to the turbine and generators are functioning satisfactorily."
--R. Prasad, "FBTR passes 53-day continuous operation test," Hindu, 22 March 2001; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 25 March 2001, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

26 March 2001
India's Ministry of External Affairs dismisses a report published by Jane's Intelligence Review that Pakistan is ahead of India in nuclear capability. The Indian ministry spokesperson says the report is speculative and offers "no foundation for policy constructs."
--"Article on n-capability speculative," Statesman, 26 March 2001; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 27 March 2001, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

27 March 2001
Former Minister of State for Defense Arun Singh is appointed special advisor to Indian Defense Minister Jaswant Singh. Arun Singh is expected to advise the defense minister on the restructuring of higher defense management in India.
--Atul Aneja, "Role for Arun Singh," Hindu, 28 March 2001; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 28 March 2001, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

28 March 2001
India's Chief of Army Staff General S. Padmanabhan meets National Security Advisor Brajesh Mishra to discuss defense reforms including the creation of the post of the chief of Defense Staff.
--"Army Chief, Brajesh Discuss Defense Reforms," Hindu, 29 March 2001; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 29 March 2001, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

30 March 2001
The Indian Army makes public plans for a military exercise that simulates a nuclear battle environment. An Army spokesperson says, "...it will be a number of exercises collectively labeled Poorna Vijay to evaluate concepts and practice battle procedures during offensive and defensive operations in the nuclear backdrop." The exercise, which will be held in May 2001, will also involve participation by the Indian Air Force.
--"India to carry out biggest wargames after Operation Brasstacks," Press Trust of India, 30 March 2001; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 5 July 2001, http://web.lexis-nexis.com; "Army to unfold 'Poorna Vijay' battlefield exercises," Press Trust of India, 30 Mach 2001; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 5 July 2001, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

31 March 2001
The Vietnamese government replaces the peaceful nuclear cooperation agreement that Vietnam's National Institute of Nuclear Energy signed with India recently with a newer, shortened pact.
--"India-Vietnam cooperation cut," Nuclear Engineering International, 31 March 2001; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 6 April 2001, in http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

4 April 2001
B. Bhattacharjee, the scientist-engineer who led India's efforts to develop centrifuge-based uranium enrichment technology at the Rare Materials Project in Mysore, is appointed Director of the Bhabha Atomic Research Center (BARC). Prior to his new appointment, Bhattacharjee was Director of the Chemical Engineering and Technology Group of BARC.
--Arunkumar Bhatt, "New Bhabha Atomic Research Center chief assumes charge," Hindu, 4 April 2001; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 4 April 2001, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

6 April 2001
Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee reiterates India's offer to destroy its nuclear arsenal if all nuclear nations also agree to destroy their arsenal. "India has always stood for global nuclear disarmament," says Vajpayee, adding that "we [India] have taken certain steps in self-defense. We do not want nuclear weapons to proliferate. If other countries decide to destroy their nuclear arsenals, we are also prepared to do so."
--"India willing to destroy nuclear weapons if others do so: PM," Press Trust of India, 6 April 2001; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 5 July 2001, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

10 April 2001
Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission Dr. Anil Kokodkar lays the foundation stone of an administrative building for the Prototype Fast Test Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu. According to the Chairman & Managing Director of the Nuclear Power Corporation V.K. Chaturvedi, "earth work on the project will begin in the last quarter of 2001 or the first quarter of 2002." The 30 billion rupee 500MW PBFR is expected to be completed in eight years. Subsequent fast breeder reactors are expected to be completed within six years. Chaturvedi estimates that the price of electrical power from a PFBR will be 60 million rupees per megawatt.
--"PFBR at Kalpakkam to be ready in 8 years," Hindu, 10 April 2001; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 10 April 2001, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

12 April 2001
Chief of the Indian Navy Admiral Sushil Kumar is selected to become India's first Chief of Defense Staff, uniting the three armed services. He will also formally be in charge of India's nuclear forces.
--"Naval head will be India's first joint chief of defense," AFP, 12 April 2001; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 12 April 2001, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

23 April 2001
Chairman of Nuclear Power Corporation V. K. Chaturvedi says that India is at par with countries such as the United States and France in handling radioactive wastes generated in the nuclear power plants. However, India is still searching for a long-term waste repository.
--"Long term nuke site is years away," Press Trust of India, 23 April 2001; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 5 July 2001, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

24 April 2001
Chairman of India's Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) Dr. Anil Kakodkar calls for greater government investment in the nuclear power sector during the 11^th plan period. According to Kakodkar, an investment of 50 million rupees is needed for establishing a one megawatt plant.
--"More funds sought for nuclear power technology," Hindu, 25 April 2001; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 2 May 2001, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

30 April 2001
India's Defense Ministry announces that it has informed Pakistan about impending large-scale Indian military maneuvers in the Rajasthan desert. The exercise is the largest in 13 years and involves about 60,000 troops backed by armor and a strike force drawn from the air force.
--"India to conduct large-scale war games near Pakistan border," AFP, 30 April 2001; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 30 April 2001, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

1 May 2001
India begins its first military exercise against a nuclear backdrop to test the offensive and defensive reactions of armed formations in simulated battlefield conditions. The exercise, called Operation Poorna Vijay, is designed to evaluate concepts and practice battle procedures during offensive and defensive operations. The exercise also involves participation by the Indian Air Force.
--"Army to hone skills against nuclear threat," Times of India, 1 May 2001; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 1 May 2001, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

3 May 2001
The Indian Ambassador to the United States Lalit Mansingh tells Washington Times that India and the United States are set to resume military cooperation that was suspended in the wake of India's May 1998 nuclear tests. Mansingh says that the U.S. decision came in the wake of Indian Foreign Minister Jaswant Singh's visit to Washington in April 2001. He also adds that if U.S. sanctions end on military and some scientific cooperation, India hopes to work on nuclear power with U.S. companies in an effort to provide energy for its rapidly growing economy without using polluting coal.
--"USA, India to resume military cooperation: Bush administration won't insist on signing of CTBT," Statesman, 3 May 2001; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 4 May 2001, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

2 May 2001
The Indian foreign office issues a statement welcoming the Bush Administration's proposals for deep cuts in the U.S. nuclear arsenal as well for building missile defenses. The Indian foreign ministry describes the U.S. proposals as "a significant and far reaching" effort to move away from the "adversarial legacy of the Cold War."
--C. Raja Mohan, "India welcomes Bush plan for cut in n-arsenal," Hindu, 3 May 2001; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 3 May 2001, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

8 May 2001
In a comment on the ongoing military exercises in India's western sector the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Air Command, Air Marshal S. Krishnaswamy says the objective of the operations is to validate tactics to intercept enemy aircraft laden with nuclear weapons, and conduct strategic strikes deep inside enemy territory to paralyze its war-waging potential. During the course of the exercise, pilots are oriented to fly through nuclear zones. "Modern aircraft have the facility to shut off external air supply in radioactive area...forces on the ground and in the air are being trained to survive nuclear, chemical, biological warfare," says Krishnaswamy. In addition, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is training for airborne delivery of weapons in a "dense air-defense environment behind enemy lines." All IAF air bases from Pathankot to Bikaner are participating in the exercises that involve the mobilization of 120 aircraft, 195 pilots, and approximately 600 surveillance and air defense personnel.
--"War games: IAF honing skills to tackle nukes," Hindustan Times, 8 May 2001; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 9 May 2001, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

10 May 2001
Although the Indian Army's military exercise in the Rajasthan desert is being held against a "nuclear backdrop," the commander of the exercise Lt. General Pankaj Joshi of the Army's 1 Corps remarks, "we are discounting such a possibility," largely because strategists believe that Pakistan would be unlikely to use nuclear weapons to halt an offensive unless the "threshold level," the possible destruction of the Pakistan Army, was at hand. Indian strategists also doubt Pakistan's ability to build tactical nuclear warheads as this would require miniaturization. However, Joshi cautions that "we [India] are living in an environment where there are nuclear weapons...we cannot ignore their existence and should something happen, we have sufficient equipment for adopting defensive nuclear measures...we have the capacity to withstand a tactical nuclear strike."
--"Operation Poorna Vijay all about toil, tears, and sweat," Statesman, 10 May 2001; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 17 May 2001, http://web.lexis-nexis.com; "India completes 5 days of war games on Pakistan border," AFX-Asia, 10 May 2001; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 11 May 2001, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

16 May 2001
Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee affirms India's intentions to honor the South East Asia Nuclear Weapons Free Zone. " We respect the status of South East Asia as a nuclear weapons free zone, as a nuclear weapon state we are willing to convert this recognition into a de jure commitment," states Vajpayee.
--"Vajpayee says India will honor southeast Asia nuclear-free pact," AFX-Asia, 16 May 2001; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 17 May 2001, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

18 May 2001
The Chief of the Indian Navy Admiral Sushil Kumar declines the post of Chief of Defense Staff citing opposition from the other branches of the armed services, particularly the Indian Air Force (IAF). At a meeting with senior editors in the Defense Ministry, Kumar says that the present system of a Chief of Staff Committee was working well and he felt that the IAF should be responsible for nuclear weapons as the other services lacked the requisite delivery systems.
--"Navy chief says no to CDS," Statesman, 18 May 2001; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 21 May 2001, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

28 May 2001
The Chairman of India's Atomic Energy Commission Dr. Anil Kakodkar says that a large number of scientists at the Bhabha Atomic Research Center have taken up the task of building nuclear weapons to meet India's requirements for a minimum deterrent. "We can put a large contingent of scientists for making nuclear weapons as per the country's requirements," Kakodkar says.
--"A large contingent of scientists in weapon making: Kakodkar," Press Trust of India, 28 May 2001; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 15 December 2004, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

28 May 2001
Senior Indian defense officials confirm that the private sector company Larsen & Toubro is building part of India's nuclear submarine--Advanced Technology Vessel--at its yard in Hazira. The hull of the submarine is being built in sections and a part was floated on a barge to Vishakhapatnam for tests, as the navy feared that the work might be monitored by Pakistan.
--"L&T building part of n-submarine," Statesman, 28 May 2001; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 29 May 2001, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

14 June 2001
Indian Machine Tools Limited signs a memorandum of understanding with the Bhabha Atomic Research Center to manufacture housing frames and radiation shielding windows. The housings and radiation shielding glass will be assembled at the company's division in Hyderabad.
--"India's HMT machine tools ties up with atomic research body," Asia Pulse, 14 June 2001; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 14 June 2001, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

14 June 2001
Russia's Atomic Energy Ministry spokesman publicly anticipates that India will participate in Russia's proposed plan to recycle spent nuclear fuel in Russia.
--"Russia ready to reprocess nuclear fuel for China, India, Iran," Kyodo News Service, 14 June 2001; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe,

18 June 2001
The Chairperson and Managing Director of Nuclear Power Corporation V.K. Chaturvedi states that the federal government has approved the construction of the third and fourth phases of the Kaiga atomic power plant in the state of Karnataka. Chaturvedi also says that the first unit of the Koodankulam nuclear power plant will become operational in 2007. Commenting on the third and fourth units of the Tarapur plant, Chaturvedi says that the units will become operational in 2005 and 2006, respectively.
--"Kaiga atomic plant gets go ahead," Times of India, 22 June 2002; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 19 July 2001, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

22 June 2001
India's Acting Permanent Representative to the United Nations (UN) Satyabrata Pal emphasizes the need for time bound nuclear disarmament. "No theory or doctrine can justify the indefinite retention of nuclear weapons by permanent members of this council. If they cling to their weapons, others will follow," says Pal in address to the ambassadors of the major nuclear powers.
--"India for time bound abolition of nuclear weapons," Asia Pulse, 22 June 2002; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 26 June 2001, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

23 June 2001
Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission Dr. Anil Kakodkar tells officers and staff members of the Nuclear Fuel Complex that the goal of the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) was to promote nuclear power as a benign source of power and also to make its generation cheaper anywhere in the country. With reference to the DAE's goal of producing 20,000MW of power by the year 2020, Kakodkar declares the goal feasible. He cautions however that "money is the only constraint."
--"DAE plans to make nuclear power generation cheaper," Economic Times, 23 June 2001; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 25 June 2001, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

27 June 2001
In prepared remarks before Congress, U.S. Ambassador-Designate to India Robert Blackwill says that the U.S. strategy of imposing sanctions against India in the wake of the May 1998 nuclear tests has not worked and should be removed "briskly." Blackwill tells Congress that the best way to achieve U.S. nonproliferation objectives would be to have a "broad, comprehensive, and robust relationship with India on many subjects."
--Sridhar Krishnaswami, "Sanctions strategy has not worked: Blackwill," Hindu, 28 June 2001; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 4 July 2001, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

27 June 2001
Dr. Anil Kakodkar, chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission says that India and Russia will sign the contract for the construction of the two nuclear power reactors at Koodankulam in September or October 2001. Russia will also supply India with six more reactors for operating nuclear power plants and other equipment for scientific nuclear centers.
--"Vladimir Radyuhin, "Koodankulam contract soon," Hindu, 28 June 2001; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 28 June 2001, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

3 July 2001
Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, principal scientific advisor to the prime minister dismisses the impact of U.S. sanctions on India's nuclear and missile programs. "We went on building our missiles and generation nuclear energy despite the sanctions. So where do you see the impact of the US sanctions following Pokhran-II," says Kalam. He insists that the sanctions were comprehensive, but India was able to ride them out because of its strength in agriculture, industry, and strategic technology.
--"Scientific advisor says US sanctions have not affected nuclear program," PTI, 3 July 2001; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 3 July 2001, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

3 July 2001
Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission Dr. Anil Kakodkar declares that India is likely to begin construction of an Advanced Heavy Water Reactor (AHWR), which will generate 75 percent power from thorium during the period 2004-2011. The "Bhabha Atomic Research Center (BARC) has been working on the AHWR for the past seven-eight years and the project design is now ready," says Kakodkar.
--"AHWR construction to start in couple of years," Press Trust of India, 3 July 2001; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 5 July 2001, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

4 July 2001
India's Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) orders a demonstration plant for radiation processing of spices to shut down following the discovery of procedural lapses. The lapses include the failure of an audio alarm to operate, a non-functioning radiation interlock, and the non-availability of battery-powered survey meters at the premises.
--"AERB directs Vashi radiation unit to suspend operations," Times of India, 4 July 2001; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 18 July 2001, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

20 July 2001
An Indian official says there are serious disagreements between the Indian Army and the Air Force over the structure of the country's nuclear command. "The Indian Air Force [IAF] wants a 1:1 structure or an air marshal for every Lieutenant General, for example, but the Army isn't agreeing as it is a larger organization and promotion opportunities, besides control are involved. Though it doesn't want representation in the command depending on size, it wants more officers than the IAF," the official says. The other bone of contention concerns control of India's dual-use aircraft and ballistic missiles. For example, the armed services do not seem reconciled to the idea that if a squadron of Mirage 2000s or Prithvi ballistic missiles were designated nuclear weapon carriers, then such assets would be placed under the control of the Chief of Defense Staff and would no longer be available for conventional operations.
--Srinjoy Chowdhury, "IAF, Army disagree over structure," Statesman, 20 July 2001; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 20 July 2001, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

21 July 2001
In an address to the Indian Academy of Sciences, former Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission Dr. R. Chidambaram asserts that India's May 1998 nuclear tests were "completely successful." He says that the objectives of the 1998 nuclear tests were to test a 15kt fission weapon, a 45kt thermonuclear bomb, and three sub-kiloton devices. Unlike India's first nuclear test in 1974, all the devices tested in 1998 were actually designed as weapons. Hence their weight and size was kept to a minimum. Chidambaram discloses that the sub-kiloton devices were difficult to design and the thermonuclear weapon used a boosted-fission device to start the fusion process. The yield of the thermonuclear weapon was deliberately held down to 45kt for two reasons. First, the device was tested in tunnels that were prepared in the 1980s; given their relative shallow depth, a larger yield would have resulted in a radioactive release into the atmosphere. Second, it was also necessary to minimize the seismic damage to a village five kilometers away from the test site. Chidambaram expresses confidence that Indian scientists are capable of building thermonuclear devices with a yield of 200kt or even greater power.
--"Pokhran-II tests fulfilled all objectives," Hindu, 21 July 2001; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 24 July 2001, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

22 July 2001
Dr. Anil Kakodkar, chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission says that the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) is designing advanced pressurized heavy water reactors which could operate for 100 years. Kakodkar says the new 220MW reactors would have improved safety features and would rely more on passive safety systems. The DAE hopes to build a mix of 220 and 500MW reactors to achieve its goal of adding 9,100MW of power by 2012.
--"India can build advanced n-reactors in two years," Hindu, 22 July 2001; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 24 July 2001, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

22 July 2001
British scientists from the Aldermaston Weapons Establishment publish a study in Current Science in which they conclude that the first round of India's May 1998 nuclear tests had a combined yield of about 20kt, not 60kt as claimed by Indian scientists. The estimate supports the conclusions of two groups of American scientists who had earlier claimed that the tests had a combined yield of 10-15kt. The new report is based on data from 12 seismic stations that recorded the seismic waves from the Pokhran test site. Indian scientists from the Bhabha Atomic Research Center have argued that "interference" of seismic waves from the two simultaneous explosions reduced the shock wave and as a result foreign scientists had underestimated the strength of the thermonuclear device. However, the British scientists have countered this by arguing that the interference effect at long-range is negligible. The Current Science report also claims that the three sub-kiloton explosions carried out by India in the second round of nuclear tests were not recorded anywhere outside India; and "this is a puzzle." Dr. P.K. Iyengar, the former chairman of India's Atomic Energy Commission also claims that India's thermonuclear device did not generate more than eight kilotons of energy. Iyengar says that he does not concur fully with the findings of the British scientists, but India should carry out more nuclear tests before signing the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty.
-- "British report disputes Indian nuclear test claim," PTI, 22 July 2001; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 22 July 2001, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

23 July 2001
India and Russia begin negotiations on "pricing" concerning the two units of the 1,000MW nuclear power reactors that Russia will build for India at Koodankulam. The Russian government will provide the Indian government with credit to cover 85 percent of work undertaken by Russian entities which will be responsible for the design, supply of material, equipment and machinery, construction supervision, training of Indian personnel for operation, and the commissioning and operations of the plant until it is taken over by India's Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL). NPCIL will be responsible for land acquisition, setting up infrastructural facilities under Russian supervision, and participation in the commissioning of the plant.
--"Pricing on setting up of nuclear power plants discussed," Press Trust of India, 23 July 2001; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 23 July 2001, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

25 July 2001
India and Russia arrive at an agreement on the costs of the 1000MW nuclear power plant to be built with Russian assistance at Koodankulam. V.K. Chaturvedi, the chairman and managing director of India's Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited says Russia is committed to meeting 90 percent of the cost of equipment; the remaining 10 percent will be sourced from India and third countries. Russia will extend a credit to meet 54 percent of the total expenditure of the project at four percent interest which will be repayable in 14 equal installments one year after the commissioning of the plant. The first and second units of the Koodankulam project will be commissioned in 2007 and 2008 respectively. The cost of the entire project is estimated at 140 billion rupees; the projected cost of each megawatt of power is 70 million rupees.
--"India, Russia agree on cost of setting up of Kudankulam plant," Press Trust of India, 25 July 2001; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 25 July 2001, http://web.lexis-nexis.com; "Koodankulam plant to cost Rs. 14,000 crore," Hindu, 26 July 2001; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 27 July 2001, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

27 July 2001
In order to meet the target of adding 20,000MW of nuclear power by the year 2020, India's Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd. has asked the federal government to amend the Atomic Energy Commission Act to allow for private sector equity participation.
--"NPC for relaxing norms to boost private participation," Business Line, 27 July 2001; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 27 July 2001, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

10 August 2001
The U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) in its report to Congress on global proliferation trends says that India's May 1998 nuclear tests "were a significant milestone" and that India continues its nuclear weapons program; the acquisition of foreign equipment could benefit India in developing and producing more sophisticated weapons. The agency report states that "India continues to rely on foreign assistance for key missile and dual-use technologies, where it still lacks engineering or production expertise in ballistic missile development...entities in Russia and Western Europe remained the primary conduits of missile-related technology transfers during the first half of 2000."
--"India continues N-weapons development program: CIA," Press Trust of India, 10 August 2001; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 10 August 2001, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

11 August 2001
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is deeply upset over the government's decision to give the Indian Army (IA) custody of the country's nuclear intermediate-range ballistic missile force. The IAF sees itself as the natural custodian of India's long-range strike assets and had earlier proposed to the government that one of its air commands be converted into a strategic forces command. However, the government decided otherwise. The IA insists that it is logical for it to be the custodian of long-range missiles because of its experience in handling rocket artillery and short-range ballistic missiles. Further, the Agni ballistic missiles are rail mobile and would require intensive manpower support (about 150 soldiers) for close defense of each train carrying the missile. The latter would be critical in securing launch pads and missiles all along the tracks against terrorist attacks. According to IA sources, the IAF does not have the requisite manpower resources to accomplish the task and would have to rely on the IA to provide protection.
--Vishal Thapar, "Army gets Agni II, IAF goes ballistic," Hindustan Times, 11 August 2001; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 13 August 2001, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

14 August 2001
Senior Indian officials suggest that the government has reached a decision not to arm the short-range Prithvi missile variants with nuclear warheads. Only the Agni-II ballistic missiles will be armed with nuclear warheads. The rumored 3,000km-range Agni-III missile does not exist. To build longer-range missiles, India would have to build an entirely new class of ballistic missiles that would have an intercontinental reach. The Indian government is also acting on the recommendations of the Group of Ministers report on 'higher defense management' to create a civilian-military interface in the area of nuclear command and control. In the process, the government is trying to minimize disturbances in the existing military hierarchy and in the process trying to build a parallel hierarchy headed by a Chief of Defense Staff to manage nuclear forces. However, the cross-linkages between the political and military leaderships are still being worked out. In addition, the civilian leadership is also confronting opposition from the Indian Air Force, which is opposed to a tri-service nuclear command and has staked its claim to be the custodian of India's strategic strike capabilities.
--Atul Aneja, "India has 'problems' managing nuclear arms," Hindu, 14 August 2001; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 16 August 2001, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

18 August 2001
Commenting on the existing nuclear sanctions on India, U.S. Undersecretary of State Richard Armitage says that "at least some of the sanctions" against Pakistan and India "will be coming off if the Congress concurs." Sanctions imposed on the two countries as a result of their nuclear detonation would be "the first to go." In further comments, Armitage says that the United States envisages a robust relationship with India. And "there are a lot of reasons we ought to engage with India, and we are going to...It would be unnatural for the world's oldest democracy to not have a more reasonable, in fact robust, relationship with the world's largest democracy, India...it would be unreasonable for a multi-ethnic, multi-religious democratic federation like the US not to have a more robust relationship with a multi-ethnic, multi-religious democratic federation like India." However, Armitage dispels the idea that the United States is seeking India to balance China. He says, "you should put zero value on that...I think whenever you try and establish a relationship with a country which is based on a third country, then you are doomed to failure. It is not a sustainable relationship. It is not something you can build on."
--"Sanctions imposed on India will come off soon: Armitage," Press Trust of India, 18 August 2001; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 19 August 2001, http://web.lexis-nexis.com; "Indo-US relations to be robust: Richard Armitage," Pakistan Newswire, 18 August 2001; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 19 August 2001, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

20 August 2001
V.K. Chaturvedi, the chairman of the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd. says that health surveys conducted at the nuclear power plants at Narora, Kalpakkam, and Kaiga on the effects of low-dose ionizing radiation show that none of the employees, their spouses, or offspring suffer from benign or malignant cancer. The study at Kaiga revealed only six cases of congenital anomalies among 1,343 offspring of employees, giving a prevalence of 0.45. But there was no case of cancer reported in all three categories--employees, offspring, and spouses.
--"Radiation effects of Kaiga minimal," Times of India, 20 August 2001; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 20 August 2001, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

24 August 2001
India's Minister of State for External Affairs Omar Abdullah says that India will not sign the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) in its present form because "it leads to discrimination." However he allays fears on the transfer of nuclear technology and says that "India is committed to the cause of preventing the misuse of nuclear technology."
--"India will not sign CTBT in its present form: Abdullah," Press Trust of India, 24 August 2001; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 24 August 2001, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

27 August 2001
The U.S. State Department confirms that it favors the lifting of sanctions placed on India after it conducted nuclear tests in May 1998. State Department spokesperson Richard Boucher says, "The US and India have been in the process of transforming our relationship...India is becoming more and more important to the United States as it assumes a larger role in world affairs and its economy expands to meet its enormous potential. We do want to work with Indian leaders to expand our cooperation... the administration is currently reviewing our policy on South Asia sanctions...and our improved relationship with India is not directed at any other country."
--"US confirms intention to lift sanctions on India," Deutsche Presse-Agentur, 27 August 2001; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

28 August 2001
Indian Defense Minister Jaswant Singh reveals plans for the establishment of a joint strategic command involving the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard on the Andaman and Nicobar islands in the Bay of Bengal. Singh informs the upper house of parliament (Rajya Sabha) that "the Joint Andaman and Nicobar Strategic Defense Command, to be established for the first time in the country, will be in place by the end of September." The new command will have a naval commander-in-chief, though subsequently the command will be headed by a suitable officer from any of the three services. Commenting on the appointment of a commander for India's nuclear forces, Singh says that "Prime Minister Vajpayee will take a decision on the issue after the consultation process is completed."
--Pratap Chakravarty, "India unveils plans for new strategic command, military revamp," Agence France Presse, 28 August 2001; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 28 August 2001, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

29 August 2001
A grand jury indicts three executives--David Brown, Richard Hamilton, and Vincent Delfino of Berkeley Electronics, a Marin County electronics firm--for illegally selling five nuclear pulse generators to India's Bhabha Atomic Research Center (BARC) and Nuclear Power Corporation between 1999 and 2000. The generators emit electrical pulses and can be used to calibrate radar and nuclear instruments with military applications. The U.S. federal government began building a case against the firm after agents of the Commerce Office of Export Enforcement posed as exporters in a sting operation.
--David Kravets, "Marin Country executives indicted in nuclear testing sale," Associated Press State & Local Wire, 29 August 2001; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 30 August 2001, http://web.lexis-nexis.com; "US firms indicted for nuclear sales to India," Business Recorder, 11 September 2001; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 11 September 2001, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

30 August 2001
Former Indian Prime Minister Inder Kumar Gujral addresses an international conference on the subject of denuclearization and a nuclear-free world in the 21^st century. In his prepared comments, Gujral makes the case that the proponents of de-nuclearization should also pay attention to the problem of terrorism and seek ways to banish the latter phenomenon. "Even after sovereign nations have eliminated their nuclear stockpiles, can we be sure that some evil man of terror is not sitting on a nuclear warhead?" And what is particularly dangerous is that "the forces of terror do not play by the rules. By their nature they live beyond rules." However, Gujral makes a strong case for ridding the world of nuclear arsenals. He says, "if we do not act today, it may be too late tomorrow because the forces of terror are spiraling too constantly and in multiple forms." Gujral also supports the concept of a nuclear free 21^st century with the caveat that "complete disarmament" and not the selective de-nuclearization was the key to ridding the world of the nuclear menace.
--"Gujral opposes selective de-nuclearization," Hindu, 30 August 2001; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 30 August 2001, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

30 August 2001
The United States and India decide to resume the bilateral military dialogue that was interrupted in the wake of U.S. sanctions imposed after India's May 1998 nuclear tests.
--"Regular US, India military dialogue to resume," Press Trust of India, 30 August 2001; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 30 August 2001, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

30 August 2001
India's Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) Chairman Dr. Anil Kakodkar denies that India made clandestine and illegal imports of nuclear pulse generators from Berkeley Electronics in the United States. Kakodkar states, "we do not believe in any clandestine procurement. All our procurement is above board...all our activities are based on our own indigenous efforts and we are not [dependent] on any outside sources."
--"No clandestine procurements: AEC chairman," Press Trust of India, 30 August 2001; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 30 August 2001, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

21 September 2001
Marc Grossman, Undersecretary of Political Affairs at the U.S. State Department, holds closed-door meetings with members of Congress and appraises them of the Bush administration's plans to lift sanctions on India and Pakistan that were imposed in the wake of the their 1998 nuclear tests.
--"Bush aides conduct classified talks with Congress on India-Pakistan sanctions," Agence France Presse, 21 September 2001; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 21 September 2001, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

23 September 2001
U.S. President George W. Bush issues an Executive Order lifting all remaining nuclear-related sanctions against India and Pakistan. A White House memorandum on the subject states the sanctions were no longer "in the national security interest of the United States." India welcomes the U.S. decision to lift economic and military sanctions that were imposed in the wake of the May 1998 nuclear tests. India's Finance Minister Yashwant Sinha says "it is a good thing that sanctions have been lifted but it's a minor issue as far as the Indian economy is concerned because sanctions would have spent themselves out...as far as the Indian economy was concerned, except for certain defense supplies, sanctions had no meaning."
--"US lifts nuclear-related sanctions against Pakistan, India," Deutsche Presse-Agentur, 23 September 2001; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 23 September 2001, http://web.lexis-nexis.com; Biman Mukherjee, "Indian government welcomes lifting of US sanctions," Agence France Presse, 23 September 2001; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 23 September 2001, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

23 September 2001
A senior employee at India's Nuclear Fuel Complex (NFC) alleges that hazardous working conditions have caused and are causing serious health hazards for employees working there. He claims that on average at least two employees die due to such hazards every month. Problems stem from the lack of adequate protection to employees who work in high-radiation zones, such as areas where uranium cake is converted to powder and then sent through chemical and mechanical processes to press the powder into pellets. If inhaled, uranium dust can lead to the hardening of the lungs and result in lung cancer or other deadly side-effects. Particles that settle on the skin also cause health hazards. Sources in NFC say that there have already been some cases in which employees have been diagnosed with leukemia caused by hazardous working conditions. After hospitals in Hyderabad certified that the disease in some employees was linked to the working conditions at NFC, the NFC's senior management panicked and asked the hospitals not to issue such certificates. Some other employees allege that most of the health problems among workers can be traced to a period when the NFC secretly reprocessed spent fuel to extract highly radioactive plutonium a few years ago. The workers were not told that their work involved the reprocessing of spent fuel.
--"NFC air thick with uranium dust," Times of India, 23 September 2001; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 23 September 2001, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

28 September 2001
Following the lifting of sanctions imposed on India and Pakistan in the wake of their May 1998 nuclear tests, the U.S. Commerce Department announces that the United States is seeking to revise the 'Entities List' that bans the export of nuclear and missile-related dual-items to India and Pakistan. The sanctions waiver that went into effect on 23 September 2001 permits the lifting of the denial policy currently in place in the Export Administration Regulations for nuclear and missile proliferation-related items to these countries. A license will still be required to export these items to India and Pakistan. Nonetheless, the license review policy will revert to a case-by-case review.
--"US 'Entities' list being revised," Press Trust of India, 28 September 2001; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 28 September 2001, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

29 September 2001
The Times of India reports that the environmental fallout of the country's nuclear program is being felt by generations of tribal people at Jadugoda, Narwapahar, and Bhatin, located close to the Jadugoda uranium mines. These mines produce all the uranium used in India's pressurized heavy water reactors. About 35,000 people who live within a 5km radius of the Jadugoda complex are exposed to high-levels of radiation and radon gas inside the mines. Since their uniforms are washed at home once a week, other family members also become exposed to the radiation. On average, a worker dies within 10 years of working at the mine. Because the mined ore is carried in open trucks, radioactive ore often falls off by the wayside; in other instances, radioactive dust is carried by the wind. The tailings are also used to refill the mines; nearly 180,000 tons of tailings have been dumped in three ponds. Two of the ponds are full and have been abandoned; the third is brimming and efforts are afoot to acquire land for a fourth pond. Because the ponds are not protected by fencing, cattle and humans often wade through them. Children play on the beds and the villagers use ropes used in the mines to make beds. Villages exist in close proximity to the ponds and the ignorant villagers have used the tailings to construct houses and build roads.
--Royden D'Souza, "Jaduguda tribals live and breathe uranium," Times of India, 29 September 2001; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 29 September 2001, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

29 September 2001
The United States clarifies that it has waived all Glenn Amendment-related sanctions that were imposed on India in the wake of its May 1998 nuclear tests.
--"US clarifies modifications in India-Pakistan sanctions," Press Trust of India, 29 September 2001; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 1 October 2001, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

1 October 2001
Disgruntled employees at the Nuclear Fuel Complex (NFC) tell Times of India of health hazards at the plant not just from radiation exposure but also from exposure to chemicals such as chlorine, ammonia, and hydrochloric and nitric acids. The chemicals are used in the conversion of zircon sand into sponge and decladding of zircaloy tubes of their copper jackets. In addition, employees complain that they are exposed to high-levels of radiation from the powerful X-Ray machines used to check zircaloy fuel tubes with uranium pellets for faults. The energy of the X-Ray machines ranges from 250kv-350kv. Plans are afoot to line the entire section where such X-Ray tests are performed with lead shields. In the interim however, the workers have not been provided with lead-clad jackets.
--P. Balu, "Corrosive acids add to NFC workers woes," Times of India, 1 October 2001; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 3 October 2001, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

1 October 2001
The U.S. Department of Commerce further pares down the list of Indian companies that are prohibited from doing business with their U.S. counterparts. The new list, which has 16 entities, includes the Defense Research & Defense Organization, the Atomic Energy Commission, the Indian Space & Research Organization, the Armament Research & Development Complex, Solid State Physics Laboratory, Bhabha Atomic Research Center, Indian Rare Earths, nuclear power plants, the space organization's Telemetry, Tracking, & Command Center, inertial systems unit, Liquid Propulsion Systems Center, Solid Propellant Space Booster Plant, the Space Applications Center in Ahemdabad, Sriharikota Space Center, and the Vikram Sarabhai Space Center. The original number of entities that were sanctioned in the wake of India's May 1998 nuclear tests was 200.
--"Only 16 Indian entities in US prohibitory list," Times of India, 4 October 2001; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 4 October 2001, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

6 October 2001
In the wake of the terrorist attacks in New York, India's Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) requests that the civil aviation ministry ban commercial over flights over the country's nuclear facilities. The list of facilities includes the 14 nuclear power reactors, the Indira Gandhi Center for Atomic Research, the Center for Advanced Technology, the Variable Energy Cyclotron Center, the Nuclear Fuel Complex, the eight heavy water plants, and the uranium mines at Jaduguda. However, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation indicates that the Aviation Ministry has not yet forwarded the request to its office.
--Srinivas Laxman, "DAE seeks ban on overflights over nuclear establishment," Times of India, 6 October 2001; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 6 October 2001, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

16 October 2001
Russia allegedly agrees to lease four nuclear-capable Tupolev-22 bombers to India. A lease agreement is expected to be signed by Russian Deputy Prime Minister Ilya Klebanov. who is currently visiting India.
--"Russia to provide 4 Tupolev-22 long-range bombers to India," Japan Economic Newswire, 16 October 2001; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 17 October 2001, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

19 October 2001
India dismisses Pakistan's proposal for nuclear restraint in South Asia which was made in Geneva by Pakistani Ambassador Munir Akram. The Indian External Affairs Ministry says, "...this is an old proposal which has been stated and re-stated."
--"India brushes aside Pak ideas on nuke restraint," Press Trust of India, 19 October 2001; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 19 October 2001, http://web.lexis.com.

27 October 2001
Japan lifts the economic sanctions that it imposed on India and Pakistan in the wake of their May 1998 nuclear tests. A Japanese government spokesperson explains that sanctions are being lifted because Japan "...values India and Pakistan's efforts to contribute to strengthening the international coalition against terrorism." Among other reasons, both countries had maintained "...their moratoriums on further nuclear tests for the past three years. Furthermore, both countries have stated they would ensure strict controls of nuclear and missile-related goods and technologies. To that extent, Japan's measures have obtained due achievement."
--Amit Baruah, "Japan lifts sanctions against India, Pak," Hindu, 27 October 2001; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 7 November 2001, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

30 October 2001
India's Defense Minister George Fernandes downplays international concerns that Pakistani nuclear weapons might fall into the hands of terrorists. In an address to a seminar on the 'global threat of terror' Fernandes says that those responsible for the safety and security of Pakistan's nuclear forces "know how to keep the assets safely."
--"Terror-Fernandes-Nukes," Press Trust of India, 30 October 2001; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 30 October 2001, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

3 November 2001
India's cabinet approves the 2,000MW Koodankulam nuclear power plant project, which is to be constructed with Russian financial and technical assistance.
--"India's cabinet approves construction of nuclear power plant with help from Russia," Associated Press, 3 November 2001; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 4 November 2001, http://web.lexis.nexis.com.

6 November 2001
Prime Minister Vajpayee visits Moscow. During his visit, India and Russia sign a Memorandum of Understanding for the construction of the Koodankulam nuclear power plant.
--"Russia and India sign a memorandum on construction of nuclear power plant," RIA Novosti, 6 November 2001; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 28 June 2004, http://web.lexis.com.

7 November 2001
India's Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) begins a comprehensive safety review of the two VVER-1000 light-water reactors that Russia will build in India.
--"AERB begins safety review of Russian reactors," Press Trust of India, 7 November 2001; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 7 November 2001, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

7 November 2001
An Indian Defense Ministry spokesperson says that the United States has agreed to supply "specific items of defense needs" after a visit by U.S. Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld to New Delhi.
--"Washington lifts Indian arms ban," The Australian, 7 November 2001; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 6 November 2001, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

9 November 2001
V.K. Chaturvedi, the Chairman of Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd. announces that construction of the Russian light-water reactors at Koodankulam will begin in April 2002.
--"Construction of Kudankulam nuke plant to begin next year," Press Trust of India, 9 November 2001; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 9 November 2001, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

10 November 2001
Dr. R. Chidambaram, former Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission is appointed as the Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India. Chidambaram succeeds Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.
--"India appoints nuclear test planner as principal scientific advisor," Agence France Presse, 10 November 2001; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 10 November 2001, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

10 November 2001
India and the United States agree to open talks on the transfer of dual-use and military items. In this context, Indian Foreign Minister Jaswant Singh remarks that he believes that U.S. restrictions on military supplies to India will be lifted following Prime Minister Vajpayee's successful meeting with U.S. President George Bush. However, with regards to nuclear energy, India will receive U.S. cooperation in the area of nuclear safety.
--"Indian FM says US military sanctions likely to end," Agence France Presse, 10 November 2001; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 10 November 2001; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, http://web.lexis-nexis.com; "India, US to hold talks on transfer of dual-use, military items," Press Trust of India, 10 November 2001; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 12 November 2001, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

11 November 2001
Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf proposes a bilateral treaty with India to ban further nuclear tests. He makes his proposal in an address to the UN General Assembly. "We are ready to formalize a bilateral treaty with India for a mutual test ban. We are ready to discuss nuclear and missile restraints as well as nuclear risk reduction measures with India in a structured, comprehensive and integrated dialogue," says Musharraf.
--"Musharraf proposes treaty with India on nuke test ban," Press Trust of India, 11 November 2001; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 12 November 2001, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

11 November 2001
In the wake of Prime Minister Vajpayee's meetings with U.S. President George Bush, India and the United States agree to establish a "new strategic framework dialogue" to expand cooperation in the civilian space sector, nuclear safety, and high-technology trade. In addition, the United States will also hold enhanced consultations with India on the issues of missile defense and strengthening export controls.
--"India, US for 'new strategic framework dialogue', Hindu, 11 November 2001; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 14 November 2001, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

12 November 2001
The Indian government's retiring chief scientific advisor Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam says that India's nuclear arsenal is safe and the country has better safety standards than many other countries. "Safety standards are in-built in our country. We possibly have much better safety standards than many others. These standards are absolutely safe," says Kalam. He reiterates that India possesses both fission and fusion bombs and these weapons are for deployment. In a further attempt to defuse the controversy concerning the success of India's hydrogen bomb test, Kalam insists that despite existing doubts on the part of external powers such as the United States and Russia on whether India possessed a hydrogen bomb, India was satisfied with the nuclear tests it carried out in May 1998.
--"India's Kalam says nuclear arsenal absolutely safe," AFX Asia, 12 November 2001; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 13 November 2001, http://web.lexis-nexis.com; "India possesses nukes for deployment: Kalam," Press Trust of India, 12 November 2001; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 12 November 2001, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

14 November 2001
An Indian intelligence officer suggests that Pakistan may have relocated parts of its nuclear arsenal to Gilgit. On September 13, 2001, 36 hours after the attacks on the World Trade Center in New York, Indian intelligence tracked the flight of a C-130 Hercules transport with a heavy escort of F-16 combat aircraft. In light of this puzzling movement, Indian intelligence agencies speculate that the act was likely part of an attempt by the Pakistani military to disperse its nuclear arsenal.
--Manoj Joshi, "Pak may have relocated nukes to Gilgit," Times of India, 14 November 2001; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 14 November 2001, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

15 November 2001
Principal Scientific Advisor to the Indian government Dr. R. Chidambaram dismisses fears that non-state actors such as Osama Bin Laden might have developed nuclear weapons. "The development of nuclear weapons is not an easy task. Projects to design and maintain such weapons lie with nation states."
--"India's nuclear boss dismisses bin Laden's nuclear threats," Agence France Presse, 15 November 2001; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 15 November 2001, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

16 November 2001
The Indian government's newly appointed principal scientific advisor asserts that the nuclear tests conducted at Pokhran in May 1998 were "eminently successful." He also rules out a review of the Indian government's moratorium on further nuclear testing. Commenting on the doubts expressed in the United States and other Western countries about the success of the Indian tests Chidambaram states, "some Americans may doubt India's achievement. But there are also some others who agreed with us."
--"No review of n-weapons policy: Chidambaram," Hindu, 16 November 2001; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 19 November 2001, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

21 November 2001
In a statement before the two houses of parliament concerning his recent trips to Russia and the United States, Prime Minister Vajpayee states that India and the United States have agreed to stimulate bilateral high-technology commerce and to streamline procedures for transfer of dual-use technology and military items. The United States and India will also initiate discussions on cooperation in space programs and civilian nuclear safety projects.
--"Indo-US talks on n-safety soon: PM," Hindu, 21 November 2001; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 21 November 2001, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

24 November 2001
The Statesman reports that the Indian government is concerned about the safety and security of Pakistan's nuclear weapons stockpile. The government believes that Pakistani nuclear weapons are stored at Kahuta and Belali near the Afghan border; and some devices were apparently recently moved to Gilgit where the Pakistani government has excavated a mountain to store the weapons. Belali is very close to the Afghan border and in view of the turmoil in Afghanistan there are concerns within the Indian government that the weapons could fall into the hands of the Taliban and Osama Bin Laden. The Indian government recently appraised the United States and Britain of its concerns and has initiated a series of precautionary measures in the last few weeks to enhance India's security.
--"Pak nukes kept near Afghan border," Statesman, 24 November 2001; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 24 November 2001, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

3 December 2001
India and the United States resume military-to-military cooperation and revive the Defense Policy Group (DPG), which was suspended in the wake of India's May 1998 nuclear tests. As part of the revival process, U.S. Undersecretary for Defense Douglas Feith and Indian Defense Secretary Yogendra Narain meet in New Delhi. India is seeking conventional weapons technology from the United States. The United States has also indicated that Indian requests for dual-use technologies will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
--"India, US revive Defense Policy Group," Press Trust of India, 3 December 2001; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 3 December 2001, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

5 December 2001
The Bhabha Atomic Research Center (BARC) discloses that it has developed a device that can detect the unauthorized movement and transportation of special nuclear materials. The device not only detects special nuclear materials, but also raises an alarm. It will be useful in combating nuclear terrorism.
--"BARC develops device helpful in combating nuclear terrorism," Press Trust of India, 5 December 2001; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 5 December 2001, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

8 December 2001
Dr. B. Bhattacharjee, managing director of the Bhabha Atomic Research Center (BARC) claims Indian nuclear plants have the best safety record in the world; and that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has recognized that fact.
--"Safety record of Indian nuke plants best, says BARC MD," Press Trust of India, 8 December 2001; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 12 December 2001, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

26 December 2001
In the midst of revived Indo-Pakistani military and political tensions, and military build-up along the border, Indian Defense Minister announces that India's "guided missiles are in position." However, Fernandes does not specify which missiles have been deployed.
--"Indian missiles are "in position": defense minister," Agence France Presse, 26 December 2001; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 25 December 2001, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

	Updated June 2005