Physicist who played key role in nuclear tests dies

Distinguished physicist Rajagopala Chidambaram, who played a key role in the nuclear tests of 1974 and 1998, died on Saturday.

- Snehal Fernandes

MUMBAI: He was 88. He is survived by his wife Chella, and their daughters, Nirmala and Nithya.

Chidambaram, who was also associated with the nuclear weapons programme, breathed his last at Jaslok Hospital in Mumbai at around 3.20am, a statement from the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) said.

"It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of Dr Rajagopala Chidambaram, an eminent physicist and one of India's most distinguished scientists, this morning (4 January 2025) at 3:20am. Dr Chidambaram's unparalleled contributions to India's scientific and strategic capabilities and his visionary leadership in science and technology will forever be remembered," the statement said.