Guwahati, Jun 14 – In a recent statement, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma criticized the Congress party for what he termed a “historic blunder” in allowing Pakistan to develop its nuclear capabilities during the 1980s. Sarma’s comments were made in a detailed post on social media platform X, where he highlighted the implications of India’s inaction during that critical period.

The chief minister asserted that Pakistan has since leveraged its nuclear arsenal as a tool for “nuclear blackmail,” effectively deterring international intervention. He emphasized that while nations today are proactive in addressing nuclear threats, India’s failure to act decisively in the 1980s serves as a cautionary tale of lost opportunities.

Sarma pointed out that the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) had gathered credible intelligence regarding Pakistan’s uranium enrichment activities at the Kahuta facility. He claimed that Israel had even offered assistance, including actionable intelligence and support for a potential preemptive strike. The Jamnagar Air Base was identified as a possible launch site, and the Indian military had reportedly backed the idea of an airstrike on Kahuta.

However, Sarma alleged that then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi hesitated at the last moment due to concerns over international repercussions. He further accused Rajiv Gandhi of shelving plans for military action in favor of diplomacy, influenced by foreign pressures. This decision culminated in the signing of a no-strike nuclear agreement with Benazir Bhutto, Pakistan’s prime minister at the time, in 1988, which committed both nations to mutual restraint regarding their nuclear facilities.

The fallout from these decisions, Sarma argued, led to Pakistan conducting nuclear tests in 1998, which dragged India into a costly arms race. He cited the Kargil conflict, ongoing proxy wars, and cross-border strikes as consequences of Pakistan’s nuclear capabilities, which continue to be used as leverage against India.

Sarma also expressed concern over the CPI(M), a key ally in the opposition INDIA bloc, which has allegedly promised to roll back India’s nuclear deterrent if it gains power in the upcoming 2024 elections. He lamented that while strong leadership requires resolve and foresight, the Congress party opted for caution and delay, ultimately squandering a crucial opportunity to enhance India’s long-term security.

In conclusion, Sarma reiterated that India and the broader region are still paying a strategic price for the decisions made during that pivotal era.