A file photo of a missile. PHOTO: AFP
NEW DEHLI: India on Saturday succeeded for the first time in using a mobile launcher to test-fire a long-range missile capable of delivering a nuclear warhead deep inside rival China.
Although Saturday's launch was the third test of the Agni V missile, it was the first time the weapon had been fired from a so-called canister mounted on a truck rather than from a concrete launchpad used in previous trials.
The new delivery mechanism gives the armed forces increased operational flexibility.
"Successful test-firing of Agni V from a canister makes the missile a prized asset for our forces," Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Twitter after the test on an island off the eastern state of Orissa.
The Agni V - developed by India's Defence Research and Development Organisation - was first tested in April 2012.
Analysts say the Agni V has the range to strike any target on the Chinese mainland, including military installations in the far northeast.
India sees the rocket, which has a range of 5,000 kilometres, as a key boost to its regional power aspirations and one that narrows - albeit slightly - the huge gap with China's missile systems.
Agni, meaning "fire" in Sanskrit, is the name given to a series of rockets India developed as part of a guided missile development project launched in 1983.
While the shorter-range Agni I and II were mainly developed with Pakistan in mind, analysts say later versions with a longer range reflect the shift in India's focus towards China.
India and China, each with a population of more than one billion, have prickly relations and a legacy of mistrust that stems from a brief but bloody border war in 1962.
India, the world's biggest arms importer, is in the midst of a $100-billion defence upgrade programme.
The new right-wing government has cleared long-delayed projects worth over $16 billion since storming to power at elections in May.
Modi has pushed for greater indigenisation of its defence industry, saying India must build up its military might to the point that no other country "dare cast an evil eye" on the South Asian nation.
COMMENTS (39)
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If India-Pak-China combines, we can rock the whole world. (my suggestion)
Very unfortunate for the citizens of both the countries i.e. Pakistan and India. The governments and rulers of both these countries should spent the amount on the welfare of their citizens and for their future generations. There are so many areas which need attention; for example, poverty, health, education, labour, child labour, standard of living, extremism in their respective countries and the list goes on. Our population especially the Youth is our major strength. Please, do not take us to War as people on both sides of the border wants continuous peace and long term prosperity.
I personally believe that Pakistan, India, China, Russia, and other SAARC countries can jointly and collectively play an important role in World Politics for better relations, improved economies and a peaceful World.
"Kindly set aside our emotions; let Sanity prevails!"
@Kam: India has always acted as per its strategic interest. Having good relations with US doesn't mean that India will allow itself to be used for America's Interest. So far only Pakistan is able to do what India will never do... Be Uncle Sam's Puppy!
For sure ET your website is compromised. It cannot be true that your viewership comprises 90% Indians. Just have a look at Sartaj Aziz survey. Its facing a limited hack by which one user is manipulating your IP Address criteria to get 100s of likes. Please review your security or re-assess the way comments are liked.
@Tony Singh: Lol...good one.
@Kam: Pleas read and share the link to all wise Pakistan on UN resolution. And please highlight with marker whatever color you like where the word says "Non Binding". And please highlight the proposed pre-requisite for creating atmosphere for plebiscite. And while you are at it and since decoding UN Resolutions is your particular strength, please also check how much of it has Pakistan followed so far.
@Kam: Pakistanis have very simplistic and monolithic view on nation to nation relationship. India US relationship is purely business and not childish friendship that one says and other acts. India is not Pakistan to get dragged in somebody else's war. Never had and never will.
@Tony Singh:
LOL bro..that was the best comment.. Now where's that 'Water-Car' guy?? Please pump in some of that elixir into those Korean Hatfs :) :)
No Haft missile test in response. Worried. Or is it that no fuel is left in it too?
Bro, don't tell me tht u don't knw tht none of d UN resolution passed on J&K r non - binding agreements.
Which defence deals r u talking abt?????? Starting some discussion on sale of some old helicopter is nt called 'defence deal' Bro. Nd if u want 2 see d example then check dis out, Russia nd India r signing deals worth $100 billion, while it is also been granted exception frm NPT by US, Japan is going 2 invest around $35 billion in India nd China is following it wid promise of $20 billion. This is called smart diplomacy.
This is a key strategic advancement. What this means is that soon India will have ICBM capability on its submarines. India has been building nuclear submarines. One is already operational and more are on the way. The submarine based nukes complete the final leg of the triad.
@Ahmed - "India was, is and will remain a minnow for China. Economy, military, reserves, resources… No matter how much USA pampers India and tries to build it, India won’t ever match China. "
That's the problem with you guys.. You assume things, read something which doesn't exist. India is not in the arms race at all. All it needs is a deterrent for China. We believe in other things - diplomacy, economic progress along with military might to counter our adversaries, something that is alien to you.
@Xoxo: Keep your inferiority complex to yourself. India will be $5 Trillion economy in the next 10 years. We are definitely behind China, but that doesn't mean we can never catch them. Even we don't catch China, we will be very important player in the geopolitical scenario. At least, India doesn't depend on U.S., Saudi and Chinese aid/alms for survival.
@Ahmed:
"India was, is and will remain a minnow for China. Economy, military, reserves, resources… No matter how much USA pampers India and tries to build it, India won’t ever match China."
Just stop for a second and read your comment again, but replace India with Pakistan and China with India. Everything that you said here will sound true. And while India is only getting investment from US, Pakistan gets that plus billions of dollars of aid.
@Khushab Wala: Your comments from pakistan point of view can be described as racist. Depicting ban ias as cunning with pot belly in cartoons. In some text books one pakistani equals seven indians. Comments like we will fry them like brinjals. So on, so on.
@ Sneha
Non- align status is thing of the past. Russia is not just selling us helicopters all new jets like JF 17 have Russian engines. It's. all about economics if you buy from Europe or US obviously then they have taken your defence sector which previously belonged to Russia so Pakistan becomes new customer. Russia and China both have communist backgrounds and are close allies they have same stance on almost every international issue and have emerged as a block at UN Security Council. They both vetoed war on Syria. West is fearful about both of them and if India would have joined them it could have been all over for western dominance now India tilting towards west depriving our eastern civilisations a vital chance to prove ourselves. As you said YOU giving us top slot. On Kashmir any resolution passed by UN becomes international law any agreement like Simla legally cannot override UN resolution so it's India which is so far on the illegal side for not implementing UN resolution yet asking for permanent seat. Aksai chin is not occupied by China so China not expansionist and goa was Portuguese colony invaded by India without any un resolution which could have made it legal.
@Chachoo: Muslims constitute majority if poor in India.You should try to help them by moving them to Pakistan so they too can grow economically and religiously like their Pakistani brothers are doing.lets appeal to all Indians to help in this generous endeavour.
While the report talks of Agni missile, the picture shown is that of Prithvi.
@Chachoo, Unfortunately, we don't have that tradition of bombing our own people like you did in Balouchistan and FATA. But thanks for your amazing solution.
@kam I meant we dont let others use us. India is non aligned. On Russia, iran we have made it clear to US we will never break ties. US has accepted it. Russia selling you few helicopters is not defence or against us. Read Putin stat. 26th jan 05 "India is russia's strategic partner in the region". That won't change because russia too doesn't want super power as China over its head, it threatens russia power it prefers balance. India, US partners only on counter terrorism, China, defence manufacturing, trade. On China when alliance pressure, It will quit laying claims on 20 neigbours or block in international water. China is an expansionist- it lays claim on aksai chin in jk and Arunachal Pradesh. "India took goa" india taking goa. It was colonial British india to Independent india- taking back parts of motherland from colonial master Portuguese in that era, no wrong. And there is no world dispute over it. On kashmir we have legal accession doc, legal rights to hold. Not occupying. You don't have any legal doc. You sent tribals to capture it, something not yours. So who's occupier? USA gdp is shrinking, investing in india gives returns = USA retains top slot. Win-win for both. We develop with investment. They get returns, a strong india (to US) stabilises power between india,Japan, China. Than just China which US/allies dont want, even russia doesnt want that. "Trade link don't wipe difference". But it reduces conflicts specially if both economies are big, prices of war too heavy on economy. Therefore USA will never war with China. Or China/india China/Japan. Only Cold War, cold news articles.
If I understand Modi well, India is not trying to match China at all. India is actually trying to built its capacity as close to NATO as possible. NATO is the best that there is. If India can do that, China would not be an issue at all. Good for India!!!!
@Chachoo: Those who live on aids and alms shouldn't lecture others. Worry about Pakistan. India has already lifted 138 million out of poverty between 2004-05 and 2011-12 and will lift millions more in the next few years. That is a great achievement for a country of our size. According to McKinsey, our GDP growth rate will average 6.5% over the next 10 years. Things will get much better now that we have a progressive and forward thinking government. Links provided for your amusement.
http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2013-07-28/news/408487631poverty-line-poverty-ratio-extreme-poverty
http://www.moneycontrol.com/news/cnbc-tv18-comments/india-set-to-grow-at-65-over-next-10-years-mckinsey_1216940.html
@ sneha
If US can't use India then why it's been so nice with India. India is no use to US if it's more closer to Russia and China then US. Getting closer to US will lead Russia away from India as after Ukraine crisis Cold War is renewed don't you think now Russians having defence deals with Pakistan now is a clear signal to India. China voluntarily returned all territory to India gained in 1962 war which means China is definitely not an expansionist state unlike India which occupied Kashmir, Goa , Nefa, Sikkim, state of Hyderabad , Junagarh and Manavadar etc by using force without any UN mandate. Chinese claims remained claims open to diplomacy so China has more democracy even though it's not a democracy. Trade links couldn't wipe out differences between China and US or West Vs Russia so it don't have any significant role in world power play as it's something mutually beneficial nothing more or less.
@Chachoo
Why don't you implement this proposal in your country first and then share your findings with us ? We will glad to follow you if feasibility report is in pink health . After becoming "thekedar" of beleaguered Islam , now you people have become "thekedar" for Indian poor. FYI, there many be poors in India , but nobody goes on exploding bombs in day light and nobody points fingers at us saying terrorists . We also don't go for international aid .
@kam USA cannot use india. We don't fight others wars. China and India are both partners and value their business relationship too much to be distroyed by anyone. Infact there is indo-russia-China meeting in China in a week for joint space station, trade and brics. But China has laid territorial claims to as much as 20 neighbouring countries including Japan, South korea and india. It's in our interest to develop our defence and form allaince of neigbouring affected democracies. Even Japan which stopped investing in defence. Has reversed it's policy due to China's claim on Japan. The allaince puts a full stop to China's expansionist ambition and blocking of international waters. It's not war, will never be in today's age between interconnected trade Giants; but Cold War. All will be in their limits. Win-win for all. 2. India invested in space. Now we put 1rupee we earn ten in export returns by sending other country satellites. Same is now for defence manufacturing industry. Provides jobs to thousands will earn export income as we are building defence industry in india just like we did for space,IT etc. @Khushab wala. Kargil and bangladesh was winning for you? Check who surrendered in thousands during those war. Then comment who's expert in....you know right? And btw our army has people from all religion,sect,creed not just one.
@Saif: it is well proven that India is leading in IT AND in economic affairs as compared to Pakistan and has been successful in lobbing for his country at international level, but still lagging far behind from Pakistan s' weaponry, still living in 90s in this field, still India is uncontestable to china
@Ahmed in economy India are set to outpace China's growth rate even in 2015 ..just wait and keep feeling jealous ..there are other areas mentioned by u where India will overtake China also !
@Khushab Wala: The nation that was thrice ' defeated ' is developing hardware and is the world's pharma and IT capital while the nation that ' won ' three wars ( hiding behind skirts of US and China ) is on the verge of losing 1 of its 4 provinces with its military bombing its own people. How many brave people you have that either they become suicide bombers or succumb to suicide bombers . And every 5 years your brave PM's and President seek the refuge of London or Saudi while your brave General has to seek the tear wiping towel of Chinese on knowing that Obama is visiting India. The only people who are brave in your country are the polio workers who go out unescorted . ET - please do allow my comment as it is in response to a comment you have allowed to be posted.
@Ahmed: Don't you ever feel ashamed to hide behind China and being a protagonist for China. Is this what your 68 years of military and civilian rule achieved that you have stopped even pretending to be the land of pure to be the slave of the Chinks. Have you not felt frustrated at the depth of your country's depravity . If I were in Pakistan , I would stopped commenting long ago.
@Chachoo:
that would be considered okay to do only in your country, nowhere else
You need a tough sharp savvy military to go with all this hardware. Hindus do not have a military tradition. They were defeated thrice. by a much smaller Pakistan. Nope, simply do not have it in them. They will throw their weapons and run. As they do all the times.
@Chachoo: I dont understand why you worry so much on Indian poor.. India do provide all welfare measure and provide security to them using such weapon
US is using India against China while remaining China's biggest trade partner. So Indians should ask US what's in their mind. Stockpiles of weopenry couldn't save USSR and won't save India. Sooner or later Indians will ask Modi what's more important food on our tables or rivalry with neighbours? Nationalism don't feed masses.
@Ahmed: When India said it wants to match China?
@chachoo Don't worry about India's poor. We don't ask for alms from others country to run our economy or buy weapons. And we already provide subsidies in food, health, govt schemes to poor. Govt of india Is investing heavily into it.. No other fellow democratic country the magnitude of India has seen such upward mobility and lifted millions of poor in just past decade. Btw even the poor of india are richer than you. India per capita income - $1500. Pakistan $1300. @Ahmed: Dream on. India's growth rate to surpas China in 2016 -IMF. India to become fastest economy in the world-world bank http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/indicators/indias-growth-rate-to-surpass-chinas-in-2016-imf/articleshow/45949715.cms http://blogs.wsj.com/indiarealtime/2015/01/14/world-bank-india-set-to-become-worlds-fastest-growing-big-economy/ Secondly China is autocratic country. India can only be compared to like minded and sizeable democracies where votes counts to pass bills in parliament. Unlike China where govt rules it, and it gets done.
India was, is and will remain a minnow for China. Economy, military, reserves, resources... No matter how much USA pampers India and tries to build it, India won't ever match China.
One Proposal for India: Since you are in all out defense race in this region then kindly use this missiles for the betterment of your country use as well. Kindly Gather all of the Indian Poor at one place and then fire these missile with mounted Nuclear bombs.
In this manner not only your Defense ambitions will be solved but poverty will be alleviated as well. Moreover more than 500 million Poor will be able to meet their Krishna as well.