Introduction

The period after India’s Emergency and the subsequent rise of Morarji Desai to Prime Minister were marked by a complex web of diplomatic and intelligence activities. One of the most significant and controversial aspects of Desai's tenure was his alleged role in helping Pakistan achieve its nuclear ambitions through the Operation Kahuta sabotage. This article delves into the intricacies of Desai's actions and their impact on India’s intelligence community, especially RAW (Research and Analysis Wing), and Pakistan's nuclear program.

The Emergency and Desai's Enmity with RAW

Prime Minister Indira Gandhi's Emergency in 1975 was characterized by heavy-handed authoritarian measures, including the use of the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) to suppress opposition. Morarji Desai, a strong critic of these measures, harbored a personal animosity towards RAW. This led to a significant tension between the two, which would later have far-reaching consequences.

Dissemination of Secrets: Operation Kahuta's Blueprint

During Desai's tenure, there were reports of RAW collaborating with Israel to sabotage Pakistan's Operation Kahuta nuclear power plant. Desai, informed of this plan, decided to alert General Zia ul Haq, the President of Pakistan, about the scheme. Desai provided Zia with crucial details, including the blueprint of the Kahuta plant and a list of suspected RAW spies active in Pakistan.

Strategic Disconnect: Desai's Principle of Transparency

Desai's approach was guided by his deep adherence to Gandhian principles, which emphasized transparency and honesty. In this context, his strategy of not interfering in Pakistan's anti-national plans, despite the potential cost to India, became a double-edged sword. Instead of thwarting Pakistan's nuclear ambitions, these actions inadvertently provided valuable intelligence to Pakistan regarding India's efforts to sabotage their operations.

The Aftermath: Pakistan's Nuclear Success and RAW's Challenges

General Zia ul Haq, upon receiving the intelligence, took swift actions to dismantle the RAW spy network within Pakistan. While this action thwarted further sabotage attempts, it also signaled a significant strategic failure for India. The sabotage did not succeed, but the information leakage accelerated Pakistan's nuclear program, bringing India closer to a nuclear standoff.

Controversial Implications for India

The incident raises several questions about the long-term strategy of India's intelligence community. The failure to counter Pakistan's nuclear program not only reflects poorly on RAW’s operations but also on the broader geopolitical strategy during Desai's era. The RAW, which was supposed to protect India’s interests, found itself in an uncomfortable position, having provided vital secrets to an adversarial nation.

Conclusion: A Sad Legacy

Morarji Desai's personal principles, while admirable, inadvertently facilitated Pakistan's nuclear ambitions. This event serves as a reminder of the often complex interplay between personal ideologies and national security. As India continues to navigate the delicate balance of power in South Asia, the lessons from the Desai era remain pertinent.