_____Special Report_____ • Kashmir on the Brink E-Mail This Article Printer-Friendly Version

From News Services
Thursday, January 18, 2001; Page A17

NEW DELHI, Jan. 17 -- India successfully test-fired an enhanced version of its intermediate-range Agni II ballistic missile from its eastern coast today, prompting expressions of concern from Pakistan, Japan and Britain.

"The flight test results have indicated that the mission objectives were met satisfactorily," the United News of India quoted missile program director R.N. Agarwal as saying.

It was the second test of the upgraded version of the original Agni, a two-stage, solid-fuel missile with a 1,250-mile range, which a defense analyst said was a key element of India's plan to build a credible minimum nuclear deterrent.

India carried out nuclear tests in 1998 and declared itself a nuclear state. Defense experts say the Agni II can carry nuclear warheads and strike targets deep within China and Pakistan.

Pakistan, which also staged a nuclear test in 1998, said it felt threatened by the Agni test and urged India to agree to a "strategic restraint regime."

"India's test-firing today of its Agni II missile is part of its ambitious nuclear and missile program which poses a direct threat to Pakistan's security and has been a matter of concern for the international community," the Foreign Ministry said.

Japan urged India to refrain from further missile tests and said it hoped Pakistan would exercise restraint.

Britain's Foreign Office said the test "sends the wrong signal within the region and beyond" and said "restraint in developing nuclear weapons and possible delivery systems is in the long-term interests of India and the region."

Agni II's first test was held in April 1999. Agni, named after a Hindu fire god, is seen as a potential deterrent to China, India's nuclear-armed neighbor. It is part of a wide-ranging missile development program.

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