The Rearview Podcast | India’s Chequered Nuclear Past with Jairam Ramesh

India’s nuclear programme has been shaped by idealism, secrecy, ambition, sanctions, and strategic anxiety. In this two-part series, we trace its evolution from the pre-independence period to the passage of new legislation—the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India Bill, 2025, also known as the SHANTI Act.

Along the way, we explore India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru’s close relationship with Homi Bhabha, often called the father of India’s nuclear programme. One a democrat and the other the sultan of Indian science. 21-years separated the two and yet their camaraderie evoked envy in many.

Was the secrecy that Bhabha demanded and Nehru conceded to necessary? Tune in for answers to these and many questions.

Guest: Jairam Ramesh

Hosts: Jacob Koshy and Sobhana K Nair

Recorded by Tayyab Hussain and Aniket Singh Chauhan

Produced and edited by Jude Weston