'U.S. Feared India Would Follow China In Conducting Nuke Tests'

WASHINGTON: Amid reports that China was planning to conduct nuclear tests, the U.S. in early 1960s feared that neighbouring countries like India would follow suit and it directed its officials to address India's security concerns, according to newly declassified documents.

China conducted its nuclear tests in Inner Mongolia on October 16, 1964.

According to latest classified documents released in the U.S. today, the State Department in 1963 prepared a major report on the potential consequences of a nuclear-armed China.

The report did not believe this event would "alter the real relations of power among the major states," but the U.S. would have to find ways to reassure US allies, in part to forestall "the possibility of development of independent nuclear capabilities by Asian countries (especially India)."

China joined the nuclear club 50 years ago when it tested a nuclear device at its Lop Nur test site in Inner Mongolia.

U.S. intelligence had been monitoring Chinese developments for some years but the lack of adequate sources made reliable estimates difficult.
Read Also: Can India Tackle Possible Ebola Invasion?
Cyclone Hudhud: Radio Helps Reach Remote Areas Of Odisha District