New Delhi: Veteran scientist Rajagopala Chidambaram, who played a key role in the nuclear tests of 1975 and 1998, died this morning, an official of the Department of Atomic Energy (DEA) said. He was 88.

Chidambaram, who was also associated with the nuclear weapons programme, breathed his last at Jaslok Hospital in Mumbai at 3.20 am, the official 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 at 3.20 AM. Dr. Chidambaram’s unparalleled contributions to India’s scientific and strategic capabilities and his visionary leadership in science and technology will forever be remembered,” a statement issued by the DAE said.

Born in 1936, Chidambaram was an alumnus of Presidency College in Chennai and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru.

Chidambaram held numerous prestigious positions throughout his career, including Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India (2001–2018), director of Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (1990-1993), chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission, and secretary to the government of India, DAE (1993-2000).

He also served as chairman of the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) (1994-1995).

Chidambaram played a pivotal role in shaping India’s nuclear capabilities. “He played an integral role in the nation’s first nuclear test in 1974 and led the Department of Atomic Energy team during the Pokhran-II nuclear tests in 1998. His contributions established India as a nuclear power on the global stage,” the statement said.

“As a world-class physicist, Dr. Chidambaram’s research in high-pressure physics, crystallography and materials science significantly advanced the scientific community’s understanding of these fields. His pioneering work in these areas laid the foundation for modern materials science research in India,” it said.

He was honoured with prestigious accolades, including the Padma Shri in 1975 and the Padma Vibhushan in 1999. He received honorary doctorates from several universities and was a fellow of eminent Indian and international science academies.