“The missile had a textbook performance in terms of range, accuracy and lethality” the ministry said. This missile has been tested several times in the past.
India and it neighboring longtime rival, Pakistan which also has nuclear weapons routinely test-fire missiles.
Both nations usually notify each before conducting such tests. It was not immediately clear evening if Pakistan was
notified this time.
No immediate response from Pakistan was available Sunday evening.
The two countries have fought three wars since their independence from Britain in 1947.
India has a variety of missiles including the short-range Prithvi ballistic missile, the medium-range Akash, and the
supersonic Brahmos. The Agni missiles are the most powerful.
India last year successfully test-fired the Agni-III, which is capable of carrying nuclear warheads across much
of Asia and the Middle East.
New Delhi says it developed its missile program as a deterrent against neighbors China and Pakistan. The defense ministry’s release called Sunday’s test “yet another milestone in the preparedness of the country in the
area of strategic defense.”
No ministry official was available to give any additional details Sunday.
