The blasts sent shock waves across the world. In contrast, the mood in India was euphoric. A nation fed on a diet of bad news found something to cheer about. But this is a time for tough decisions, not jingoism. There must be diplomatic initiatives to neutralise the adverse reaction abroad. To be an international pariah could be an unpleasant reality. Vajpayee also must channelise the nationalism back home into development.

Often accused of dithering, Vajpayee has been decisive. He must carry on. Power, ultimately, comes not from nuclear capability and weapons of mass destruction, but from economic muscle. And that is his greatest challenge.

For the present, however, he has to deal with the complications of gatecrashing into the world's exclusive nuclear club. It is a gripping story and a challenge we were ready for. Senior Editor Manoj Joshi, who has written two books on security, analysed the tests and its repercussions. Meanwhile, Deputy Editor Raj Chengappa, with close ties to the scientific community, looked at India's defence arsenal and the cost of weaponisation. Most important, Vajpayee agreed to sit down with Executive Editor Prabhu Chawla for his first interview since becoming prime minister. Says Chawla: "For the past week he's been a driven man, obsessed with the nuclear tests. In hindsight, his earlier distraction can be understood." Now, in his finest hour, perhaps Vajpayee will be as single-minded in tackling the other problems that confront the nation.

(Aroon Purie)