1 January 2002
Despite current military tensions, India and Pakistan exchange information on their nuclear installations and facilities. The exchange is mandated under an agreement banning attacks on each other's nuclear installations and facilities. The countries are required to exchange information on the first working day of every year.
--"Pakistan, India Exchange Nuclear Information Despite Tensions," Agence France Presse, 1 January 2002, in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 2 February 2005, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.

7 January 2002
Indian Defense Minister George Fernandes rules out the possibility of India reviewing its nuclear doctrine of "no first use" in the wake of 13 December 2001 terrorist attacks on India's parliament building. He states, "It (the doctrine) remains. It does not change."
--"India Sticks to No-First Use on Nuke Weapon," The Press Trust of India, 7 January 2002, in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 12 February 2005, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.

14 January 2002
Indian Defense Minister George Fernandes states that India views "a nuclear weapon as a deterrent and nothing beyond that." He also says, "I have always held that no sensible person would like to even think of using a nuclear weapon."
--"`No Sensible Person' Would Use Nuclear Weapons: Indian Minister," Agence France Presse -- English, 14 January 2002, in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 2 February 2005, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.

16 January 2002
Indian naval chief Admiral Madhvendra Singh refuses to confirm or deny whether the Indian Navy's warships are armed with nuclear weapons. However, he does say, "Conceptually any country which assures of 'no first use' has a second strike capability and would always have a triad of weapons on land, air, and at sea." He also adds that for most nuclear capable countries, the most potent strike force is "hidden, moving, and underwater." Moreover, he states, "the Indian Navy has the assured capability to cause such damages to the other side which the opposition would never have imagined.
--"Indian Armed Forces Fully Mobilized: Naval Chief," Agence France Presse -- English, 16 January 2002, in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 2 February 2005, http://www.lexis-nexis.com; "India, France to Sign Accord for Production of Submarines," Deutsche Presse-Agentur, 19 January 2002, in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 2 February 2005, http://www.lexis-nexis.com.

21 January 2002
The United State Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) releases a report on "Acquisition of Technology Relating to Weapons of Mass Destruction and Advanced Conventional Weapons. The report covers India's nuclear weapons program in-depth, stating, "The acquisition of foreign equipment will benefit New Delhi in its efforts to develop and produce more sophisticated nuclear weapons." The report continues, "India continues to rely on foreign assistance for key missile technologies, where it lacks engineering or production expertise. Entities in Russia and Western Europe remained the primary conduits of missile-related and dual-use technology transfers during the first half of 2001." The report is released semi-annually to the U.S. Congress. --"India Continues N-Arms Programme With Foreign Aid: CIA," Press Trust of India, 31 January 2002, in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 12 February 2005, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.

22 January 2002
The Indian Foreign Ministry releases a statement explaining that India has decided to adopt an international convention on protection against theft or unauthorized diversion of nuclear material. The 1980 "Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material" obliges member states to ensure physical protection of nuclear material during international transport. India is the 71st signatory to the convention. The statement reads, "In recent years, this (terrorist) threat has been compounded by fears of nuclear terrorism. Therefore, accession to this convention has become an important step in the fight against terrorism."
--"India to Adopt Convention on Physical Protection of Nuclear Material," Associated Press Worldstream, 22 January 2002, in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 12 February 2005, http://www.lexis-nexis.com

23 January 2002
Indian Ambassador to Russia Krishan Raghunath states that India "will not be the first to use nuclear weapons. He also emphasizes that Indian nuclear weapons are under the strict control of the government.
--"Indian Ambassador to Russia States That India Will Not Be The First To Use Nuclear Weapons Under Any Circumstances," RIA Novosti, 23 January 2002, in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 12 February 2005, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.

23 January 2002
Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf proposes the de-nuclearization of South Asia and a 'No War Pact' with India as a means to avoid a nuclear exchange between the two neighbors. However, he declines to reciprocate India's 'No-First-Use' of Nuclear Weapons Pledge, saying, "Why should we be accepting what they (the Indians) say? Why don't they accept what we are saying? We want to de-nuclearize South Asia. We want to sign a 'No War Pact' with them. Isn't that better? I think the world community should insist on that. Pakistan is offering a much bigger deal."
--"Pak Ready for Denuclearization of S Asia, Sign No War Pact," The Press Trust of India, 23 January 2002, in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 12 February 2005, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.

24 January 2002
The former Principal Scientific Advisor to the Indian government Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam states that India has the capability to retaliate with "multiple effect" if attacked with nuclear weapons. He also affirms that India has adopted "the no-first use philosophy." He adds, "But, India can and has the capability to retaliate with multiple effect."
--"India Capable to Retaliate with Multiple Effect: Kalam," The Press Trust of India, 25 January 2002, in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 12 February 2005, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.

25 January 2002
The Indian government rejects a Pakistani call to de-nuclearize South Asia, stating, "Nuclear weapons should be banished from the entire globe. De-nuclearization of India and Pakistan will have no meaning."
--"Pakistan Regrets India's Rejection of Talks but Offer There," Deutsche Presse-Agentur, 29 January 2002, in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 2 February 2005, http://www.lexis-nexis.com; Bidwai, Praful. "India Sharpens Its Nuclear Claws," IPS-Inter Press Service, 29 January 2002, in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 2 February 2005, http://www.lexis-nexis.com.

25 January 2002
Indian army chief S. Padmanabhan states that his force is "fully ready" for war. He warns that although "nuclear weapons are not meant for war fighting," India would severely punish any state that is "mad enough to use nuclear weapons against any of our assets. The perpetrator shall be so severely punished that his very existence will be in doubt. We are ready for a second strike."
--Bidwai, Praful. "India Sharpens Its Nuclear Claws," IPS-Inter Press Service, 29 January 2002, in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 2 February 2005, http://www.lexis-nexis.com.

27 January 2002
India's National Disaster Management Committee Vice Chairman Sharad Pawar announces that the Indian national disaster management policy will deal with probably crisis situations in the event of nuclear and terrorist strikes, as well as from other catastrophic events. While refusing to divulge details on the nuclear crisis management mechanism, he does mention, "I can only say that I have visited Japan in this connection," and that the mechanism to manage nuclear fallout is likely to ensure a specific role for the military and scientific establishments.
--"Disaster Management Plan to Deal With Nuclear Crisis," The Press Trust of India, 27 January 2002, in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 12 February 2005, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.

31 January 2002
In an interview to the U.S. Information Service, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Non-Proliferation makes a series of comments about India and Pakistan. He states, "India and Pakistan have to understand that a race for building more missiles and better nuclear weapons is not the real answer to a stable equilibrium in South Asia. They have to deal with their problems on a political level. That is what we hope will happen." In response to a question regarding Indian and Pakistani nuclear ambitions, Wolf says, "They have these weapons and we have to deal with it, but we still have a series of concerns about nuclear weapons, their delivery capabilities and the risks of proliferation in South Asia."
--"Indo-Pak Tension May Lead To Nuclear Proliferation In S Asia," The Press Trust of India, 31 January 2002, in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 12 February 2005, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.

6 February 2002
Russian Deputy Prime Minister Ilya Klebanov arrives in India to sign a defense protocol paving the way for leasing two long-range nuclear submarines and two TU-22 long-range bombers to the Indian Navy. The agreement is also likely to advance an agreement between India and Russia on India's acquisition of the 44,000 ton Kiev Class Aircraft carrier "Admiral Gorshkov", and Russia is likely to offer India a stake in the joint development of futuristic armament systems. The meeting takes place on 6 February 2002 as part of the two-year old Indo-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military-Technical Co-operation.
--"India, Russia to Sign Defece Protocol During Klebanov's Visit," The Press Trust of India, 4 February 2002, in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 13 February 2005, http://www.lexis-nexis.com; "Russia to Offer India Stake in Developing New Weapons," The Press Trust of India, 4 February 2002, in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 13 February 2005, http://www.lexis-nexis.com.

6 February 2002
According to a report released by Italian nuclear physicists, Pakistan's "nuclear weapons are aimed solely at India". Also, Pakistan will use these weapons only if India crosses the "space threshold" - if India conquers a large part of Pakistani territory; and the "military threshold" - if India destroys a large part of Pakistan's land or air forces. Further, Pakistan may use nuclear weapons if India pushes Pakistan into "political destabilization or creates a large scale internal subversion."
--Iqbal Nadeem. "Economic Threat May Push Pakistan to Nukes" IPS-Inter Press Service, 4 February 2002, in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 13 February 2005, http://www.lexis-nexis.com.

6 February 2002
The Indian Express newspaper reports that India's Atomic Energy Commission is seeking 'no-fly zones' over nuclear installations to prevent terrorist attacks from the air. An official from the Commission says that were the entire area over nuclear installations was declared a no-fly zone, then "any flying object would be easily identifiable as friend or foe." Contemporaneously, security at India's nuclear installations is improved, as the Indian Coast Guard places additional boats off the coast of Bombay to guard the Bhabha Atomic Research Center. Also, an Indian Defense Ministry official says that a requisition for additional anti-aircraft guns has been made for deployment to the Narora Atomic Power plant in Rajasthan and for two atomic power plants in southern India.
--"Indian Atomic Energy Body Wants `No Fly Zones' Over Nuke Facilities," Deutsche Presse-Agentur, 5 February 2002, in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 13 February 2005, http://www.lexis-nexis.com.

6 February 2002
U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) director George Tenet testifies about the South Asia nuclear crisis before the U.S. Senate Intelligence Committee. He tells the Committee that "the chance of war between these two nuclear-armed states [India and Pakistan] is higher than at any point since 1971." He continues, "Both India and Pakistan are publicly downplaying the risks of nuclear conflict in the current crisis. We are concerned, however, that a conventional war - once begun - could escalate into a nuclear confrontation," and "If India were to conduct large-scale offensive operations into Pakistani Kashmir, Pakistan might retaliate with strikes of its own in the belief that its nuclear deterrent would limit the scope of an Indian counterattack."
--"Annan Offers UN Help to India, Pak to Resume Dialogue," The Press Trust of India, 7 February 2002, in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 13 February 2005, http://www.lexis-nexis.com.

8 February 2002
India and Russia fail to reach an agreement on the lease of India of two Russian nuclear submarines and on the Russian aircraft carrier Admiral Gorshkov, which New Delhi had wanted to buy at the price of about 1 billion U.S. dollars. Indian Defense Minister George Fernandes confirms, "There is no (deal on) nuclear submarine." However, Russian media suggests that the deal may still be possible, saying, "If the proposed lease of four Tu-22M3 strategic bombers and two Akula class nuclear-propelled assault submarines of Project-971 goes through, then India will not only become a full-fledged nuclear power, but also the mightiest nation in the region."
--"Indian, Russia Sign Protocols on Military Cooperation," Xinhua News Agency, 8 February 2002, in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 13 February 2005, http://www.lexis-nexis.com, "Indo-Russian Deal Can Make India Nuke Power," The Press Trust of India, 9 February 2002, in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 13 February 2005, http://www.lexis-nexis.com.

12 February 2002
Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf says that he believes that India may conduct another nuclear test in the near future. He states, "There are some indicators that the Indians are thinking of doing another nuclear test. We have shared our information with the U.S. leadership." On 13 February 2002, Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee refutes this claim, calling it "old tactics of Pakistan to mislead the world community." Indian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Nirupama Rao says, "We have rejected the allegation as absolutely false, totally baseless and this is obviously the season for kite-flying in Pakistan. We have seen a number of such false allegations made (by Pakistan) in recent days and we reject them in their entirety and they can best be described as timed-release capsules of diversionary propaganda."
--"Musharraf: India May Test Nuke Again," United Press International, 12 February 2002, in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 13 February 2005, http://www.lexis-nexis.com, "India Rejects Pakistan Allegations of Fresh Nuclear Test," Agence France Presse, 13 February 2002, in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 13 February 2005, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.

12 February 2002
Russian and Indian energy officials sign a 1.5 billion dollar contract for the delivery of two Russian reactors for a new Indian nuclear power plant. The two 1,000-megawatt reactors are to be delivered to southern India's Kudankulum nuclear power plant within the next five years, according to Russian Deputy Energy Minister Yevgeny Reshetnikov.
--"Russian and India Ink 1.5-Billion-Dollar Nuclear Reactor Deal," Agence France Presse, 12 February 2002, in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 13 February 2005, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.

12 March 2002
Indian Foreign Minister Jaswant Singh says that there is a "new urgency" for the abolition of nuclear weapons in order to prevent them from falling into the clutches of terrorist groups. Singh is reported as stating that the abolition of nuclear weapons through "a multilaterally agreed, legally-binding undertaking...has taken on a new urgency with the current rise of non-state actors as powerful military threats."
--"India Sees `New Urgency' for Abolition of Nuclear Weapons," Agence France Presse, 12 March 2002, in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 13 February 2005, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com

15 March 2002
India completes its requirements for accession to the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material.
--"India Strengthens its Commitment to Fight Against Terrorism," The Press Trust of India, 15 March 2002, in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 13 February 2005, http://www.lexis-nexis.com.

18 March 2002
Janes Intelligence Review reports that Pakistan has edged past India in nuclear weapons capability since the two countries conducted nuclear tests in May 1998. Janes Intelligence Review suggests that India has moved at a slower pace in deciding and completing delivery systems, evolving procedures, tactics and doctrine for nuclear use as well as for ensuring effective control over nuclear forces. The publication explains that "India views nuclear weapons as necessary for their political utility; their ability to bring international prestige and provide deterrence vis-à-vis Pakistan and China," whereas Pakistan's nuclear forces are controlled by the army and are more fully incorporated into the country's overall military strategy.
--"Pak Moving Ahead of India in Nuke Capability," The Press Trust of India, 25 March 2002, in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 13 February 2005, http://www.lexis-nexis.com.

26 March 2002
Janes Defence Weekly publication reports that the Indian Air Forces is planning to acquire 126 Mirage 2000-5s to equip seven squadrons that will comprise the backbone of India's proposed strategic nuclear deterrent.
--"India to Buy Over 100 Dassault Aviation Mirage Fighter Jets - Report," AFX European Focus, 26 March 2002, in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 13 February 2005, http://www.lexis-nexis.com.

26 March 2002
The U.S. Energy Department Inspector General Gregory H. Friedman releases a report saying that plutonium capsules provided to India by the United States are enough to create a "dirty bomb". Small amounts of plutonium packed in sealed capsules were provided to 33 countries, including India, under the 1954 Atoms for Peace program until the late 1970s. The report says "it has inconsistent historical data regarding the [present] ownership of the material." Friedman continues, "In the wrong hands, these sources could me misused."
--"Plutonium: Unaccounted Capsules Enough to Create `Dirty Bomb'," Greenwire, 27 March 2002, in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 13 February 2005, http://www.lexis-nexis.com.

27 March 2002
The Russian Consulate General in Mumbai reports that the new Indian nuclear power station Kudankulam in the southern state of Tamil Nadu will operate under IAEA safeguards.
--"IAEA to be Monitoring New Indian Nuclear Power Station," RIA-Novosti, 27 March 2002, in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 13 February 2005, http://www.lexis-nexis.com.

29 March 2002
Indian nuclear scientists refute the U.S. Energy Department's concern about the few grams of unaccounted radioactive plutonium provided to India under the 1954 Atoms for Peace program. Dr. Anil Kakodar, the Chairman of the Indian Atomic Energy Commission, states, "the amount of plutonium supplied in [the] mid-50s by U.S. for research purpose was insignificantly small compared to the size of plutonium stockpile India is handling today as our programme is much bigger and the infrastructure is designed to manage large quantities." Former Chairman of the Indian Atomic Energy Commission Dr. P. K. Iyengar agrees, saying "this small quantity has no weapon relevance and there was no need to get panicky."
--"Few Grams of Plutonium from US is Safe, Need Not Cause Concern," Press Trust of India, 29 March 2002, in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 13 February 2005, http://www.lexis-nexis.com.

1 April 2002
In the wake of the "first concrete pouring" of the 1,000MW Kudankulam nuclear power reactor, Russia's Deputy Minister of Atomic Energy E.A. Reshetnikov states that Russia is interested in setting up at least four more advanced light-water nuclear power reactors in India. "Since India is our strategic partner, cooperation between the two countries in nuclear energy sector will be mutually beneficial in the coming years," says Reshetnikov. Reacting to Reshtnikov's statement, India's Atomic Energy Commission Chairman Anil Kakodkar says that "we need to reach a target of 11,000MW by 2001 for which we have to add at least 4,000MW from 2004 onwards." In this regard, the Managing Director of India's Nuclear Power Corporation adds that "if Russia is able to provide us with two 1,000MW reactors each at a reasonable techno-commercial cost within the stipulated time, we welcome it." Otherwise India will pursue indigenous nuclear power programs to reach that target.
--"Russia keen on setting up at least 4 more nuclear reactors," Press Trust of India, 1 April 2002; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 1 April 2002, http://web.lexis-nexis.com; "Reacting to Reshetnikov's statement, Atomic Energy," Press Trust of India, 1 April 2002; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 1 April 2002.

2 April 2002
The Chairman of India' s Atomic Energy Commission discloses that the Department of Atomic Energy is revising the security provisions around the major nuclear power plants in the country. In this regard the Chairman and Managing Director of the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited says, "We have to be vigilant on both land and sea routes." But on a more reassuring note he says that the power reactors have a double containment dome and would only suffer marginal damage if an object weighing more than 50-tons crashed onto any of them at a speed of nearly 700km/hr.
--"Major security revision in nuclear power plants," Press Trust of India, 2 April 2002; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 2 April 2002, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

3 April 2002
India's Nuclear Power Corporation of India plans to extend the life of unit 1 of the Rajasthan Atomic Power Station (RAPS) by three and possibly 20 years. The reactor was earlier expected to be decommissioned in 2002. The life of RAPS-1 will initially be extended for three years by replacing a few most troublesome channels. In addition a small refueling facility will be added at a cost of 3.5-4 billion rupees. The new facility will use the steam generators and pumps currently in use at the existing RAPS-1 facility.
--"Indian nuclear corp plans to revive atomic plant," Press Trust of India, 3 April 2002; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 3 April 2002, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

7 April 2002
Pakistan will use nuclear weapons against India, but only if the country is "danger of vanishing off the map," says President Pervez Musharraf. He adds, "the use of nuclear weapons is only the last resort for us. We are acting responsibly...and I am optimistic and self-confident enough to believe that we can also defend ourselves conventionally."
--"Pakistani leader says use of nuclear weapons against India would be "last resort," Associated Press, 7 April 2002; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 8 April 2002, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

27 May 2002
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Georgy Mamedov urges India and Pakistan to sign the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT).
--"Russia urges India, Pakistan to sign nuclear test ban treaty," Associated Press, 27 May 2002; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 28 May 2002, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

27 May 2002
The Bhabha Atomic Research Center (BARC) claims that it has a developed a miniature underwater radiation resistant camera required to inspect nuclear power plants' components. The camera can be loaded into coolant channels of pressurized heavy water reactors using existing fueling machines and is especially designed for inspection purposes. The components of the camera can withstand pressures up to 10kg/sq cm and an integrated radiation dose of 100 Mega Rads. BARC spokesperson Dr. A. P. Jayaram boasts that the development of the camera has "...resulted in self-reliance in high-tech area with substantial cost savings."
--"BARC develops MURRCCTV for in-service inspection of n-plants," Press Trust of India, 27 May 2002; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 27 May 2002, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

28 May 2002
India's Foreign Minister Jaswant Singh reiterates India's "no-first-use" of nuclear weapons policy. "India's policy has been clear and unambiguous - no-first-use of nuclear weapons," says Singh. Commenting on the Pakistani government's warnings concerning a potential nuclear war, Singh says, "...in this we see an example of nuclear terrorism."
--"India will not use nuclear weapons first: Singh," Japan Economic Newswire, 28 May 2002; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 28 May 2002, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

29 May 2002
Scientists at the Department of Atomic Energy's Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics claim that they have achieved purification of helium gas to almost 100 percent for use in cryogenic and nuclear reactor technologies. This achievement will enable India to reduce its dependence upon the United States from where the gas is currently imported.
--"India comes closer to self-sufficiency in helium gas," Press Trust of India, 29 May 2002; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 29 May 2002, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

30 May 2002
Pakistan threatens nuclear use in the event of a conventional war with India. Its representative to the United Nations Munir Akram says, "India should not have the license to kill with conventional weapons while Pakistan's hands are tied regarding other means to defend itself."
--"Defiant Pakistan threatens nuclear use," Press Trust of India, 30 May 2002, 30 May 2002; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 30 May 2002, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

30 May 2001
Jane's defense estimates that India probably has 50-150 nuclear warheads and that it may be able to deploy a 20kt device from a MiG, Jaguar or Mirage aircraft. Additional analysis suggests that there is also sufficient weapons-grade plutonium and uranium available in India to build more warheads.
--"Indian nuke arsenal dwarfs Pakistan's: Jane's," Agence France Presse, 30 May 2002; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 31 May 2001, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

1 June 2001
The Canadian government advises families of the members of Canada's diplomatic mission in New Delhi to leave India due to increased fears of a war between India and Pakistan. The Canadian government believes that there are an estimated 6,000 Canadian citizens in India.
--"Canadians told to leave India," Xinhua General News Service, 1 June 2002; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 2 June 2002, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

1 June 2001
Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf downplays the likelihood of a nuclear war in South Asia. Musharraf tells CNN that allegations that Pakistan had moved its nuclear missiles close to the Indo-Pakistani border are "absolutely baseless...if India has moved their missiles this is extremely dangerous and a very serious escalation." On the issue of a nuclear war, Musharraf insists that he doesn't think "either side is that irresponsible...I would even go to the extent of saying one shouldn't be discussing these things, because any sane individual cannot even think of going into this unconventional war, whatever the pressures.
--"Musharraf dismisses allegations of nuke missiles movement," Press Trust of India, 1 June 2002; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 2 June 2002, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

1 June 2002
France joins Britain, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the United States in advising its citizens "whose presence is not indispensable in India," to leave the country due to heightened fears of a war on the subcontinent.
--"France joins growing list of nations recommending citizens leave India," Associated Press, 1 June 2002; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 2 June 2002, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

2 June 2002
Indian Defense Secretary Yogendra Narain warns that India will retaliate with nuclear weapons if Pakistan uses such weapons against India and that both countries must be prepared for mutual destruction. Narain also hints that India's nuclear weapons are ready for use and says, "everything is finalized. It is in the hands of the civilian government and we don't expect any delay in issuing orders."
--"India will use nuclear weapons if Pakistan does - defense official," 2 June 2002, AFX News Limited; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 3 June 2002, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

2 June 2002
Indian Defense Minister George Fernandes welcomes Pakistani President Pervez Musahrraf's comments rejecting the likelihood of a nuclear war in South Asia. Fernandes says, "the fact that from his earlier declarations of using the nuclear options, he has now said that it is only insane minds that could think of its is a great development and should be welcomed."
--"India defense head hails Musharraf's rejection of nuclear war," 2 June 2002, Japan Economic Newswire; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 2 June 2002, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

3 June 2002
Indian Defense Minister George Fernandes downplays fears of a nuclear war in South Asia and says that neither India nor Pakistan is "imprudent" enough to use nuclear weapons. "I think it should be accepted that in South Asia there are responsible leaders. They may be belligerent and not fulfill their promises. But on nuclear matters, the subcontinent is alive to the implications," says Fernandes. However he warns Pakistani President Musharraf that if he and other Pakistani leaders decide to use nuclear weapons, India can survive a nuclear attack, "but Pakistan cannot."
--"Indian defense minister dismisses nuclear war fears," AFP, 3 June 2002; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 3 June 2002, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

4 June 2002
At a news conference at Almaty, Kazakhstan, Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf says "the possession of nuclear weapons by any state obviously implies that they will be used under some circumstances." He also claims that "never in the history of Pakistan has the nuclear arsenal ever been deployed, never had even the missiles been deployed."
--Laurinda Keys, "Pakistan explains nuclear policy," AP, 4 June 2004; in Lexis-Nexis Academic World, 5 June 2002, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

5 June 2002
Pakistani military envoy General Jehangir Karamat tells Italian newspaper La Stampa that Pakistan reserves the right to use nuclear weapons against India in an extreme case. Since the Indian army outnumbers the Pakistani Army five to one, "In an emergency, it is our survival that could be placed in jeopardy ... Our position is not to use them because it would be irresponsible, but rather to be ready," says Karamat.
--"Pakistan Reserves the Right to Use Nuclear Weapons Against India," Agence France Presse, 5 June 2002; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 6 June 2002, http://web.lexis-nexis.com/.

6 June 2002
Bharaitya Janata Party President Jana Krishnamurthy denies that the threat of nuclear war prevented India from taking action against Pakistan. He reiterates India's commitment to a no-first-use policy and adds, "I believe in the present scenario it is not possible to use nuclear weapons .... Even Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf 15 days ago was threatening to use nuclear weapons but after international pressure he said he will not use them."
--"Nuclear War Not Possible: Jana," Press Trust of India, 6 June 2002; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 6 June 2002, http://web.lexis-nexis.com/.

6 June 2002
US President George Bush telephones Indian and Pakistani leaders and urges them to take steps to reduce the risk of war. White House spokesman Ari Fleischer says, "The president reiterated to President Musharraf that the United States expects Pakistan to live up the commitment to end all support for terrorism. The president emphasized to Prime Minister Vajpayee the need for India to respond with de-escalatory steps. To both leaders, the president stressed the need to choose the path of diplomacy." The president's calls to the two leaders come ahead of the US Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage's scheduled meetings with Musharraf and Vajpayee. The US State Department has also issue new travel warnings to all Americans in India and Pakistan, citing tensions at "serious levels."
--Michael Dorgan and Ken Moritsugu, "Bush makes personal plea to India, Pakistan to 'reduce risk of war', Knight Ridder/Tribune News Service, 6 June 2002; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 6 June 2002, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

12 June 2002
Reacting to Western advisories asking non-essential citizens to leave India in view of the heightened risk of a war in South Asia, India's Minister of State for Defense U.V. Krishna Raju complains that the international community was overreacting and sending out wrong signals. Raju claims that "there is no chance of a nuclear war in the subcontinent...on the contrary the signs of a conflict are diminishing."
--"West overreacting to events in subcontinent: Raju," Press Trust of India, 12 June 2002; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 12 June 2002, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

12 June 2002
G-8 foreign ministers meeting in Whistler, Canada warn that there will no let up in international diplomatic pressure on India and Pakistan to ensure that the simmering crisis in South Asia does not escalate into a nuclear war.
--"G8 vows to keep up pressure over South Asia crisis," AFP, 13 June 2002; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 13 June 2002, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

15 June 2002
Subsequent to his visit to India and Pakistan, US Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld says that the two countries "are both sensitive to the risks and I was impressed in talking to them and I think they are both asserting leadership in a way that is positive rather than negative."
--"India, Pak aware of conflict's risks: Rumsfeld," 15 June 2002, Press Trust of India; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 16 June 2002, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

15 June 2002
The Indian Air Force IAF has reportedly indicated to the Ministry of Defense that it cannot wait for the completion of the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) and would instead prefer to procure 140 Mirage 2000 aircraft from France. The aircraft could be produced at the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited plant in Bangalore. The IAF already operates two Mirage 2000 squadrons and the cabinet has already approved the procurement of four single-seat and six double seat Mirage aircraft as replenishment for the fleet.
--K.R. Sreenivas, "IAF to buy 140 Mirage aircraft, looks to HAL," Times of India, 15 June 2002; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 17 June 2002, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

17 June 2002
India asserts that it has not foreclosed options for exerting economic pressure on Pakistan. An Indian Foreign Ministry spokesperson says, "The options are pretty much open still...we probably need to review the situation...till now this has not kicked into operation. The scenario is still developing. We cannot foreclose any such option."
--"India has not foreclosed option of economic pressures on Pak.," Press Trust of India, 17 June 2002; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 17 June 2002, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

17 June 2002
In an interview with the daily Dainik Jagran India's Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee explains the reasons why India has decided to step back from the six-month military standoff with Pakistan. Vajpayee claims that Pakistan's promises to end infiltration into Kashmir and crack down on the militants and not US pressure have prevented war between India and Pakistan. "If Pakistan had not agreed to end infiltration, and America not conveyed that guarantee," says Vajpayee, "then war would not have been averted." He also insists that the belief that "India gave up the option of war under American pressure is totally wrong."
--Neelesh Misra, "Vajpayee: Pakistan's promises, not US pressure on India helped avert war," AP, 17 June 2002; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 18 June 2002, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

18 June 2002
In a dinner address to defense scientists and engineers Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf says that Pakistan's nuclear arsenal had deterred India from mounting an all-out attack during the recent military stand-off. In a reference to Pakistan's May 1998 nuclear tests, Musharraf says that "we were compelled to show them in May 1998 that were not bluffing, and in May 2002 again we were compelled to show that we do not bluff...by testing with outstanding success the delivery systems of our strategic capability..." Musharraf adds, "today's heightened international concerns of a nuclear conflict in South Asia, and the hesitation, frustration, and inability of India to attack Pakistan or conduct a so called limited war, bear ample testimony to the fact that strategic balance exists in South Asia."
--Sami Zuberi, "Nuclear deterrent gave India second thoughts: Musharraf," 18 June 2002; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 19 June 2002, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

18 June 2002
India denounces Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf's statement that Pakistan's nuclear arsenal had deterred India from launching a war against Pakistan. The Indian Foreign Ministry says, "The international community should not ignore such continued manifestations of Pakistani irresponsibility, loose talk and undiluted hostility towards India and the continued concoction of doomsday theory to justify Pakistan's use of nuclear blackmail."
--Uttara Choudhury, "India denounces Musharraf deterrence remark as "nuclear blackmail," AFP, 18 June 2002; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 19 June 2002, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

11 July 2002
The Chief Controller of India's Defense Research & Development Organization (DRDO), R.V. Swamy claims that DRDO has developed a multipurpose field shelter for the Army. The shelter is a self-contained unit and can be used to accommodate and protect about 30 people from a nuclear, biological, or chemical attack for a period of 96 hours at a certain distance from ground zero. It can be used as a command post, observation post, regimental aid center, and communications center. The shelters, which are fitted with anti-radiation devices and filters can also be mass produced for civilian use or installed at the seat of the government in New Delhi. In addition, DRDO has also developed three sensors that can be mounted on vehicles to detect nuclear, chemical and biological attacks.
--"India claims to have developed nuclear-protection shelter," Xinhua General News Service, 11 July 2002; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 12 July 2002, http://web.lexis-nexis.com; Pratap Chakravarty, "India readies nuclear shelters, trains military against first-strike," AFP, 11 July 2002; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 12 July 2002, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

14 July 2002
Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf tells a group of newspaper editors and columnists that India is unable to attack Pakistan not only because Pakistan possesses nuclear weapons but also because Pakistan is equivalent to India in military strength.
--"India will not attack Pakistan: Musharraf," Press Trust of India, 14 July 2002; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 14 July 2002, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

2 August 2002
The Chairman and Managing Director of the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) says that the federal government is planning to encourage private sector participation in the nuclear power sector. He says that the Koodandulam nuclear power plant will eventually have six units of which two are already under construction. Construction of the third and fourth units will be started in 2004-05 and the fifth and sixth units in 2008. The NPCIL currently has eight units under construction and the goal is to add 800MW of power annually for the next five or six years.
--"Proposal to amend Atomic Energy Act to encourage pvt. sector," Press Trust of India, 2 August 2002; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 5 August 2002, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

9 August 2002
Indian Defense Minister George Fernandes claims that the process of creating a Strategic Forces Command is proceeding rapidly and the integration of the three services as recommended by the Group of Ministers will be completed shortly.
--"Nuclear forces command to be in place soon," Press Trust of India, 9 August 2002; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 11 August 2001, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

26 August 2002
India's Department of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) releases a report outlining its ongoing investigation of five subsidiaries of the Indian company NEC Engineers Private Limited for allegedly supplying technology and equipment to Iraq for its missile and chemical weapons programs. According to the DRI, NEC Engineers "actively assisted" Iraq in setting up a chlorine plant in Fallujah by exporting sensitive membranes and centrifugal pumps. India's external intelligence agency, Research & Analysis Wing (RAW), and appropriate U.S. agencies are also involved in the investigation.
--"Indian Firms Probed for Alleged Weapons Technology Sales to Iraq: Report," Agence France Presse, 26 August 2002; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 14 February 2005, http://www.lexis-nexis.com;
Shishir Gupta, "Arms Control: the Indian Connection," India Today, 14 October 2002, http://www.india-today.com.

29 August 2002
The Indian Navy is seeking cooperation from private sector Indian companies such as Godrej Aerospace, Bharat Aluminum, and Larsen and Toubro for its nuclear submarine program. Government and quasi-government entities participating in the program include the Department of High Voltage Engineering, Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore; the Electronics and Radar Establishment, Research Center Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad; and Electronics Research & Development Center, Kolkata.
--"Navy takes recourse to home grown expertise," 29 August 2002, India Business Insight; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 2 September 2002, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

6 September 2002
The Indian government defends its position to embargo certain chemicals to Iraq before the Delhi High Court, claiming the order was issued following intelligence reports that the Indian company NEC Engineers Private Limited might be actively assisting in Iraq's chemical weapons program. Indian government representatives Additional Solicitor General K.K. Sud and Jayant Bhushan tell the court, "This is a very serious matter which will harm India's interest and have international ramification. There are intelligence reports that these chemicals may be used to developing chemical weapons in Iraq." Senior advocate R K Anand, appearing for NEC Engineers, said the company was only an exporter buying the chemicals for use in manufacturing paints.
--"HC-Iraq," Press Trust of India, 6 September 2002; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 14 February 2005, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.

12 September 2002
In a speech before the UN General Assembly in New York, Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf states that Pakistan will not start a war with India, but if attacked will use every means for self-defense. In this regard, Musharraf reiterates that Pakistan cannot rule out the 'first-use' of nuclear weapons.
--"Musharraf: If attacked, Pakistan to use every means of self-defense," Federal Information and News Dispatch, Inc., 12 September 2002; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 13 September 2002, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

13 September 2002
Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee rebuts Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf's comments in his speech before the UN General Assembly. Vajpayee accuses Pakistan of engaging in "nuclear blackmail" and using terror as an instrument of state policy against India.
--Devidas Gupta, "UN-LD PM," Press Trust of India, 13 September 2002; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 13 September 2002, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

16 September 2002
The head of the computer division at the Bhabha Atomic Research Center (BARC) H.K. Kaura claims that BARC has a developed a new supercomputer - the ANUPAM-PIV 64-node computer - which has achieved a speed of 43 giga flops. In comparison, the Cray SV1 supercomputer that India imported from the United States for the National Center for Medium Range Weather Forecasts has a sustained speed of four giga flops.
--"India's BARC develops fastest supercomputer in the country," Asia Pulse, 16 September 2002; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 16 September 2002, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

19 September 2002
The Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission Dr. Anil Kakodkar voices concerns over the denial of civilian nuclear technologies to India. Kakodkar states that "...in practice technologies continue to be denied even for systems important to safety." Such denial policies slow down India's expansion of nuclear power and increase dependence on fossil fuels and further damage to the global environment. Kakodkar also dwells upon the need to eliminate the possibility of terrorists using nuclear material and radioactive sources for blackmail. He points out that India is a signatory to the Convention on Physical Protection of Nuclear Material and has in place strict physical protection measures for nuclear material in use, storage, and transport.
--"India concerned over nuke technology denial to few nations," Press Trust of India, 19 September 2002; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 19 September 2002, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

24 September 2002
British Prime Minister Tony Blair singles out the Indian company NEC Engineers Private Limited for "illicitly" helping Iraq in expanding its missile and chemical weapons arsenal. The Indian government, in response, finds Mr. Blair's "selective reference" to the Indian company "unfortunate" but it also accuses NEC Engineers of exporting sensitive equipment to Iraq.
--Shishir Gupta, "Arms Control: the Indian Connection," India Today, 14 October 2002, http://www.india-today.com.

26 September 2002
In an address at the Institute of Strategic and International Studies, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, India's Foreign Minister Yashwant Sinha reiterates India's commitment to sign the nuclear weapons free zone agreement with ASEAN soon. Sinha states, "As regards o ASEAN, I reiterate what has been said earlier, namely, that we fully respect the status of the nuclear free zone in South East Asia and are ready to convert this commitment into a legal obligation."
--"India keen to sign nuclear-free zone treaty with ASEAN," Malaysia General News, 26 September 2002; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 3 October 2002, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

30 September 2002
The chief of India's integrated defense staff General Pankaj Joshi states that "we [the armed services] are in the process of raising a strategic forces command with all assets, like aircraft, land-based missiles, and nuclear weapons and bombs...it will be a fighting command and will become operational soon." He adds, "it defies logic that a country of this size...should not have a nuclear command and control structure." Joshi reiterates that India's nuclear arsenal is a "political" one and "not intended to be a military one."
--Elizabeth Roche, "India forging special unit to operate nuclear arsenal: official," AFP, 30 September 2002; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 1 October 2002, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

18 October 2002
The Chairman and Managing Director of the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd. states that a panel of world experts from the World Association of Nuclear Operators (WANO) will review the functioning of the two units of the Rajasthan Atomic Power Station (RAPS). The review will provide the inputs for internal improvements in the plants if necessary. Chaturvedi also discloses that the construction of units 5 and 6 at RAPS will be last pair of 220MW reactors in the pressurized heavy water reactor series and all "inland sites will have 500MW fast breeder reactors (FBR) in future as the standardization of the FBR design has been achieved..."
--"RAPS-review," Press Trust of India, 18 October 2002; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 20 October 2002, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

26 October 2002
India's Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) denies a report published in the Christian Science Monitor which states that India's nuclear power reactors are unsafe and high levels of radiation. AERB states that "the report does not reflect the correct safety status of nuclear power plants in India. It is biased and one-sided and has used uncritically, a series of unsubstantiated statements of known and unnamed anti-nuclear critics in India." AERB Secretary K.S. Parthasarathy also says that the news report is based on a 20-month old statement by AERB chairman Sukatme who had said that the collective dose per Gwe-year (giga watt electrical) to workers at the Kakarpur Atomic Power Station was over three times the best values in the world. However, Parthasarathy concedes the need for reducing exposure to workers.
--"AERB denies report terming India's n-reactors as unsafe," Press Trust of India, 26 October 2002; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 27 October 2002, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

27 October 2002
In a public address, Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee expresses concerns that chemical and biological weapons are difficult to detect; and that such weapons could fall into the hands of non-state actors.
--"Goals, Not Dates, First: PM," Indian Express, 27 October 2002; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 14 February 2005, http://www.lexis-nexis.com.

28 October 2002
In an address to the UN conference on climate change, the Joint Secretary at India's power ministry Ajay Shankar says that India proposes to increase utilization of hydropower and nuclear energy to meet its future energy demands. Although India will continue to rely on thermal power, it hopes to increase nuclear power generation to 20,000 MW by 2020. "We are looking at energy mix in India by 2012 - to reduce carbon intensity - with thrust on hydro, renewable and nuclear energy," says Shankar.
--"India to increase its nuclear power generation tenfold by 2020," Asia Pulse, 28 October 2002; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 28 October 2002, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

31 October 2002
In an address at the Bhabha Atomic Research Center (BARC) on the occasion of its founding day, Prime Minister Vajpayee calls upon the legally recognized nuclear states to address the clandestine transfers and trade in nuclear and missile technologies. Instead of targeting countries such as India that have played by the nuclear rules, says Vajpayee, the nuclear powers should tackle the illegal transfers. He states that "we [India] have been denied technologies and products on the unfounded suspicion that they might be applied to a weapons program...these technology regimes have irritated us, they have retarded our progress...however these denials did not stop us and brought out the best in us."
--"Tackle illegal nuke technology transfer: PM," Press Trust of India, 31 October 2002; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 31 October 2002, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

31 October 2002
Prime Minister Vajpayee formally opens India's second nuclear waste immobilization plant at the Bhabha Atomic Research Center (BARC). The first such plant is located at Tarapur and a third is being constructed on the premises of the Madras Atomic Power Station, Kalpakkam. The BARC plant has facilities for handling low-, moderate-, and high-level radioactive waste.
--"Vajpayee declares open waste immobilization plant," Press Trust of India, 31 October 2002; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 31 October 2002, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

5 November 2002
India expresses its support for the Bangkok Treaty which legalizes the idea of a nuclear weapons free zone in Southeast Asia.
--Jim Gomez, "Southeast Asian Leaders Hold First-Ever Summit with Nuclear India," Associated Press, 5 November 2002; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 5 November 2002, http://web.lexis-nexis.com/.

10 November 2002
India's Central Industrial Security Force begins creating a 'first responder' task force to prepare for emergencies concerning potential nuclear and biological attacks. The task force is expected to be well trained and equipped and will collaborate with the Air Force for the provision of an airlift capability.
--"Special Force to Tackle Nuclear or Biological Attack in India," Xinhua News Agency, 10 November 2002; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 11 November 2002, http://web.lexis-nexis.com/.

13 November 2002
At a meeting in New Delhi, US Undersecretary of State Kenneth Juster and Indian Foreign Minister Yashwant Sinha agree to examine potential cooperation in the space and civilian nuclear sectors. The US had earlier avoided such cooperation due to concerns that civilian technologies could be diverted toward India's nuclear and missile programs.
--"India and US Agree to Examine Nuclear, Space Cooperation," Agence France Presse, 13 November 2002; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 13 November 2002, http://web.lexis-nexis.com/.

15 November 2002
India's President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam states that despite India's nuclear doctrine of no-first-use, India will use its nuclear weapons if peace in the region is threatened and if another country attacks India with nuclear weapons. He says, "We have taken a decision that India will not use nuclear weapons first but when peace is threatened and somebody else uses it, India will use it for defending the country .... When two of our neighbors have got nuclear weapons, naturally for India, to protect peace, we have to have it."
--"India Ready to Retaliate with Nuclear Weapons: President," Asia Pulse, 15 November 2002; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 15 November 2002, http://web.lexis-nexis.com/.

19 November 2002
A minor blast occurs at the uranium oxide plant at the Nuclear Fuel Complex in Hyderabad. While no injuries are reported, concerns exist that some radioactive materials might have been released into the atmosphere.
--"Blast at Nuclear Complex in Hyderabad," The Times of India, 19 November 2002; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 19 November 2002, http://web.lexis-nexis.com/.

20 November 2002
Bhabha Atomic Research Center Chairman Dr. Anil Kakodkar says that with the support of the government, India is on an accelerated path to enhancing its nuclear power and self-reliance in nuclear energy. The Indian government has allocated 300 billion rupees (US $6.2 billion) for atomic energy research.
--"India on an Accelerated Path in Nuclear Power: BARC Chief," Asia Pulse, 20 November 2002; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 21 November 2002, http://web.lexis-nexis.com/.

21 November 2002
The Indian government asserts that nuclear plants in India are safe, despite the recent blast at a nuclear facility in Hyderabad. Vasundhara Raje, Minister of State for Atomic Energy, states that India strictly follows international safety norms, adding, "There is almost near total compliance by all these plants... There is no question of compromising (the) safety of workers at nuclear plants." Officials claim that the Hyderabad blast did not cause any leakage of radioactive materials as it occurred in an area away from the processing unit.
--"India's Domestic Nuclear Energy Facilities Safe: Government," Agence France Presse, 21 November 2002; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 21 November 2002, http://web.lexis-nexis.com/.

22 November 2002
Atomic Energy Commission Chairman Dr. Anil Kakodkar says that India has achieved 90 to 95 percent self-reliance in nuclear energy and within the next five years, it will be considered a leader in fast breeder reactors and Thorium reactors. At present India's nuclear energy is under three percent of the total energy output. The number is expected to increase to 5 percent by the end of 2010.
--"India Said Achieves 90-95 Percent Reliance in Nuclear Energy Field," World News Connection, 22 November 2002; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 26 November 2002, http://web.lexis-nexis.com/.

26 November 2002
India demands a full-fledged investigation into Pakistan's alleged exchange of nuclear materials with North Korea. Indian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Navtej Sarna states, "Because of the grave nature of these reports and the implication for international security, the facts need to be properly investigated by the concerned international regime."
--"India Calls for Probe Into Pakistan-North Korea Nuclear Links," Agence France Presse, 26 November 2002; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 26 November 2002, http://web.lexis-nexis.com/.

28 November 2002
Indian Federal Junior Minister of External Affairs Digvijay Singh expresses serious concern over Pakistan's alleged exchange of nuclear technology with North Korea.
--"India Concerned Over Pak's Nuke-Tech Exchange with N. Korea," Press Trust of India, 28 November 2002; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 28 November 2002, http://web.lexis-nexis.com/.

29 November 2002
Minister of State for Atomic Energy Vasundhara Raje tells Parliament that the six nuclear leaks which occurred at Indian nuclear plants were "minor" and did not have any significant impact on the public or environment. "The few incidents of leakage of tritiated heavy water did not have any significant impact on the public and environment," says Raje. She admits however that the radiation does release into the Rana Pratap Sagar lake on 5 May 1998 exceeded the limit prescribed by the Atomic Energy Regulatory board. However, the maintenance and operational procedures at the plants were "scrupulously followed" and a disaster like Chernobyl was "highly unlikely."
--"India admits to six 'minor' leaks in nuclear power plants," Channel News Asia, 29 November 2002; in Lexis-Nexis Academic World, 29 November 2002, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

3 December 2002
The Indian navy declines to comment on The Times of India newspaper report that India is planning to lease the Akula II class nuclear submarine from Russia for a period of three years.
--"India Stays Mum on Nuclear-Sub Story," The St. Petersburg Times, 3 December 2002; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 17 December 2002, http://web.lexis-nexis.com/.

4 December 2002
During his three-day visit to India Russian President Vladimir Putin says that Russia will cooperate with India in developing nuclear energy. Russia is already building two 1,000 MW reactors. "Our cooperation in this field is successful. We work within the framework of international rules and obligations and continue to abide by these obligations," says Putin.
--"Russia Wants Further Cooperation with India on Nuclear Energy," Agence France Presse, 4 December 2002; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 4 December 2002, http://web.lexis-nexis.com/.

5 December 2002
Pyongyang objects to India's protest on the possible nuclear ties between North Korea and Pakistan, after reports in American newspapers highlight those links. North Korea cautions that such allegations can strain relations between India and Pakistan. New Delhi has asked the international community to investigate the matter because it is of security concern to India.
--"India: North Korean Embassy Protests Suggested Nuclear Links with Pakistan," The Asian Age, 5 December 2002; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 5 December 2002, http://web.lexis-nexis.com/.

10 December 2002
The Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India Dr. R. Chidambaram delivers the Presidential address at a three-day conference on "Characterization and Quality Control of Nuclear Fuels" in Hyderabad. With reference to international atomic energy safeguard systems Chidambaram says that while India supports safeguards measures, "irrational prejudice against closing the nuclear fuel cycle and reprocessing must be given up." He later states that India's nuclear program is in accordance with the International Atomic Energy Agency's safeguards.
--"Prejudice Against Nuclear Reprocessing Must Go," Press Trust of India, 10 December 2002; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 10 December 2002, http://web.lexis-nexis.com/.

15 December 2002
Referring to India's nuclear weapons program, Indian President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam tells a group of 1,000 students that India would not be respected if it did not have strength. He says, "Strength respects strength. Unless we have strength we are not respected." He also reminds students of India's no-first-use policy, that nuclear weapons are meant for defense and that nuclear power can be used for electricity generation and medicine.
--"Unless India has Strength it Would Not be Respected," Press Trust of India, 15 December 2002; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 15 December 2002, http://web.lexis-nexis.com/.

18 December 2002
Indian Defense Minister George Fernandes says that India has initiated steps to ensure protection from nuclear and biological attacks in response to Pakistan's recently test of the medium-range, nuclear capable ballistic missile, the Hatf-4. He also says that the Army Headquarters and the Institution of Engineers had recently conducted a day-long seminar on disaster management with a reference to nuclear attacks.
--"India Takes "Necessary Steps" for Protection Against Nuclear Attack," BBC Monitoring International Reports, 18 December 2002; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 18 December 2002, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

20 December 2002
India reiterates its unilateral moratorium on further nuclear weapons testing.
--"No More Nuclear tests, Says Govt," The Economic Times, 20 December 2002; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 20 December 2002, http://web.lexis-nexis.com/.

20 December 2002
The Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission in India, Dr. Anil Kakodkar, unveils a Rs. 100-Crore program to change the nuclear energy program by tapping thorium as an alternative to uranium, the traditional source of nuclear energy.
--"Programme to Tap Thorium for N-Energy," The Hindu, 20 December 2002; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 19 December 2002, http://web.lexis-nexis.com/.

27 December 2002
India and Pakistan agree to exchange lists of their nuclear installations under an agreement which prohibits the two countries from attacking each others' nuclear installations. India and Pakistan signed the agreement on 31st December 1988 to exchange lists of nuclear installations. The agreement entered into force on 27 January 1991, and the first exchange of lists took place on 1 January 1992.
--"Pakistan, India to Exchange List of Nuclear Installations on 1 January" BBC Monitoring International Reports, 27 December 2002; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 27 December 2002, http://web.lexis-nexis.com/.

30 December 2002
With regards to the 2001 military standoff between India and Pakistan Pakistani President General Musharraf states: "I personally conveyed the message to Prime Minister Vajpayee through every international leader who came to Pakistan, that if Indian troops moved a single step across the international border or the Line of Control, they should not expect a conventional war from Pakistan."
--"Musharraf Says Pakistan was Ready to Use Nuclear Weapons," Japan Economic Newswire, 20 December 2002; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 30 December 2002, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

	Updated August 2008