India test fires nuclear-capable ballistic missile

By Abdul Gani

GUWAHATI, India

India successfully test-fired a , intercontinental surface-to-surface, nuclear-capable ballistic missile called the Agni-V on Monday, the All India Radio announced.

The missile is capable of hitting a target at more than 5,000 kilometers (3,107 miles) away with plus nuclear warhead.

The launch was carried out from the eastern Odisha coast at around 11 a.m. local time (0530 GMT).

The Agni V is said to be the most advanced locally-built missile, according to the radio.

Officials of the Defense Research and Development Organization, which designed and developed the missile, called the test “a wonderful moment” and “a huge success”, according to The Hindu newspaper.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the organization and the scientists on the successful launch.

“The successful of Agni V makes every Indian very proud. It will add tremendous strength to our strategic defense,” Modi said in a statement.