India successfully test-fired its locally developed long-range intermediate ballistic missile capable of delivering a 2200 lbs (1,000 kg) nuclear payload to a distance of over 1,375 miles (2,000 km) yesterday.
Defence officials said the locally designed Agni II (Fire), test-fired for the second time in nine months in its final "operational configuration from the interim test range at Chandipur-on-Sea off the eastern Orissa coast, "satisfactorily" met its mission objectives.
With an optimum striking range of 1,562 miles (2,500 km) the missile forms part of India's minimum nuclear deterrent, capable of delivering a nuclear warhead anywhere in neighbouring Pakistan, but more significantly, to southern China.
Defence officials said the two-stage, solid-fuel missile which is 20 metres long and weighs 16 tonnes is capable of being fired from a mobile rail launcher to avoid detection. Scientists were testing the missile's guidance systems, to ensure it landed not more than 100 yards from its target.
At present India has only two sets of nuclear-capable missiles with ranges of 150 km and 250 km respectively.
The missile test came as India and Pakistan are making tentative steps towards holding peace talks over the northern, disputed Kashmir state. It also coincided with the ongoing visit to India of China's second highest leader, Mr Li Peng, during which he advocated a swift resolution of the border dispute between the two countries over which they went to war in 1962.
