India test-fires nuclear-capable ballistic missile

AP
November 25, 2010 (5 days ago)

The 12-ton missile, developed in India, has an advanced navigation system and can carry
payloads of up to 2,200 pounds. — Photo by AFP

NEW DELHI: India successfully tested an upgraded version of its most powerful nuclear-capable
missile on Thursday during an army training exercise, a Defence Ministry official said.

India and Pakistan regularly test missiles, and normally give each other advance notice for long-range
launches. Pakistan was informed ahead of Thursday’s test as part of ”standard practice,” ministry
spokesman Sitanshu Kar said.

The upgraded Agni-I — with a 435-mile range — was fired from a testing range on an island off the
eastern state of Orissa, Kar said.

”The missile followed the trajectory perfectly and reached the designated spot in the Bay of Bengal,”
where ships witnessed its detonation, Kar said.

The 12-ton missile, developed in India, has an advanced navigation system and can carry payloads of up
to 2,200 pounds.

It has been tested several times in the past, including on March 28 at the same Orissa firing range, as
part of ongoing army training to improve skills among defence personnel.

New Delhi has said it developed its current crop of missiles — including the short-range Prithvi missile,
the anti-tank Nag missile and the supersonic BrahMos cruise missile — as a deterrent against neighbours
China and Pakistan.
Its Agni-II missile, with a range of up to 1,250 miles, can put areas of southern China within striking
distance. And the Agni-III, successfully tested last year, can carry nuclear warheads across much of Asia
and the Middle East.

Source: http://www.dawn.com/2010/11/25/india-test-fires-nuclear-capable-ballistic-missile.html

Analysis:
The article was published in Dawn news on 25th November telling about the successful
experiment of another ballistic missile capable of carrying nuclear warheads named Agni 1.
Tensions between Pakistan and India have been always there. It is about 64 years that none of
the country is ready for the peace in the region. Both of them are trying to overcome each
other in the race of weapons. India wants to become the super power of region, whereas this is
not at all acceptable to Pakistan. Both countries are in constant race to overcome each other in
terms of defense and arms. Around 45% of Pakistan’s budget is allocated for defense. It is all
about power, the fight for possession of power and rule over the other country.