ABSTRACT
India, by its decision to detonate a nuclear explosive, created a troublesome situation for the world. Without that Indian detonation of May 1974 there would be much more optimism about the avoidance of nuclear proliferation, the further spread of nuclear weapons into the arsenal of additional countries. The Indian move and the response of nuclear-supplier states such as the United States may seem to pose questions and set angering precedents for economically underdeveloped states around the world. The Indian nuclear program has by and large made sense for the civilian economy. Very understandable concerns have been expressed about various agreements for nuclear cooperation that have been signed between India and Brazil, and between India and Argentina. Since both Brazil and Argentina have shown interest in nuclear explosives options and, like India, have refused to sign the Non-proliferation Treaty, the question could obviously be raised as to whether India intended to assist further nuclear proliferation around the world.
