Atal Bihari Vajpayee

Atal Bihari Vajpayee became Prime Minister for the first time, leading a BJP-led coalition government. His first term lasted only 13 days as the government failed to secure a majority in the Lok Sabha.

Vajpayee's government conducted five underground nuclear tests at Pokhran, Rajasthan, making India a declared nuclear weapons state. The tests were met with international sanctions but boosted national pride and strategic autonomy.

Vajpayee became Prime Minister for a second time, leading the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) coalition. His government lasted 13 months before losing a confidence vote by one vote in 1999.

Vajpayee's government oversaw the Indian military response to the Kargil infiltration by Pakistani forces and militants. India successfully recaptured the occupied peaks, but the conflict resulted in heavy casualties on both sides.

Vajpayee inaugurated the Delhi-Lahore bus service as a peace initiative with Pakistan. He traveled to Lahore and signed the Lahore Declaration with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, aiming to reduce bilateral tensions.