DELHI: A nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missile, with a 5000-km range, was tested by India on Wednesday. The missile was fired from an island located at the east coast of the country.
According to a statement released by the Indian government, the launch was in line with “India’s policy to have credible minimum deterrence that underpins the commitment to no first use”.
The statement further read that the Agni-5 missile hit the target that it was supposed to ‘with very high accuracy’. India was already capable of launching its nuclear missiles everywhere including the neighbouring country, Pakistan.
However, the Agni-5 missile has been launched as a means of deterrence to warn China that any mischievous activity will be replied in a befitting manner.
The two countries have been at each other’s throat since June last year when the soldiers fought over the long-disputed mountainous terrain in the Laddakh area. Twenty Indian soldiers had lost their lives in the stand-off with the Chinese soldiers.