DATE=5/12/98
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
NUMBER=2-232044
TITLE=INDIA NUCLEAR REACT (S)
BYLINE=DOUGLAS BAKSHIAN
DATELINE=NEW DELHI
CONTENT=
VOICED AT: 

INTRO:  INDIAN NEWSPAPERS ARE PRAISING THE THREE NUCLEAR TESTS 
CONDUCTED BY INDIA'S HINDU-NATIONALIST GOVERNMENT MONDAY. 
V-O-A NEW DELHI CORRESPONDENT DOUGLAS BAKSHIAN REPORTS.

TEXT:  INDIAN NEWSPAPERS DESCRIBE THE NUCLEAR TESTS AS AN 
EXPRESSION OF NATIONAL PRIDE AND SECURITY.  IN A FRONT-PAGE 
COMMENTARY, THE PIONEER SAYS INDIA'S BATTLE TO REGAIN SELF-ESTEEM
IS SEVERAL STEPS CLOSER TO A VICTORIOUS CONCLUSION. 

THE HINDUSTAN TIMES SAYS THIS IS A MOMENT OF PRIDE FOR THE NATION
WHICH HAS REASSERTED THE RIGHT TO ARM ITSELF TO MEET ITS SECURITY
NEEDS. 

THE INDIAN EXPRESS, IN AN EDITORIAL CALLED "THE END OF 
UNCERTAINTY," SAYS INDIA'S NEW STAND IS THE EXPRESSION OF ITS 
NATIONAL WILL.  THE EDITORIAL URGES THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY 
TO REACT WITH RESTRAINT.

ON A CRITICAL NOTE, THE RESPECTED BUSINESS STANDARD SAYS THE 
ACTION COULD TURN OUT TO BE ILL-CONSIDERED, AND INVITE TROUBLE IN
THE INTERNATIONAL ARENA.  INDIA ANNOUNCED MONDAY THAT IT SET OFF 
THREE NUCLEAR DEVICES IN A WESTERN DESERT AREA OF THE COUNTRY.   
(SIGNED)

NEB/DAB/WTW

12-May-98 4:12 AM EDT (0812 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America
.