THE desert shook twice. Massive explosions of the deadliest technology known to man rumbled underneath the sands. But has India gone nuclear with a shrill exuberance that neither befits a new Big Boy nor balances the terrible power of destruction that we now hold in our palm? Once started, the war of words between three uneasy neighboursIndia on one side, and Pakistan and China on the otherrose sharply in pitch, and the words of war got steadily more intemperate. Increasingly, reckless sabrerattling appeared to be taking the place of mature diplomacy so crucial after an N-test. Crude jingoism has taken over the streets, fuelled by the Indian ruling partys militarist postures. Pakistan pressed the panic button, but is hedging its bets with one finger hovering over the N-button. Even taciturn China put extra sting into its remarks. Suddenly, the geostrategic balance hangs by a thread.