On Pokhran N-test anniversary, PM Narendra Modi hails Atal Bihari Vajpayee's courage

NEW DELHI: On the 17th anniversary of Pokhran nuclear tests, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today hailed the country's scientists as well as "tremendous courage" of the then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, saying it demonstrated the importance of a strong leadership.

"Greetings to my fellow Indians on the occasion of National Technology Day," Modi tweeted.

He said the day is very special in India's history as it was on this day in 1998 that India conducted nuclear tests in Pokhran in Rajasthan.

"We salute efforts of our scientists & political leadership behind the success of Pokhran Tests on this day in 1998," he added.

Modi said the tests were possible due to the stellar work of the country's scientists and a victory of technology.

"Atalji's government showed tremendous courage. It demonstrated the importance of a strong leadership," he added.

He said when Vajpayee announced the success of the tests, the entire nation rejoiced.

"Technology has the power to transform the lives of the people. From mitigating poverty, simplifying processes, ending corruption, provide better services to the people, vitality of technology is everywhere," Modi said.