INDIA: NUCLEAR CAPABLE MISSILE TESTED (V)

(11 Apr 1999) English/Nat

India tested an upgraded version of its intermediate-range missile on Sunday, defying appeals from the United States to put its nuclear program on hold.

The Agni II ballistic missile was launched from Wheeler Island off India's eastern coast in the Bay of Bengal.

Pakistan has confirmed that it was given advanced warning of the launch, in keeping with an agreement signed with India in February.

00:02
The Agni 2 missile takes its name from the Sanskrit word "fire".

It is capable of striking targets deep inside Pakistan and China.

The launch of the missile comes 11 months after India conducted a series of underground nuclear explosions.

That prompted Pakistan to respond with tests of its own, raising international fears of a nuclear arms race among the two nations.

The United States began a diplomatic campaign to defuse what it saw as a potential nuclear confrontation.

But regarding the latest tests, Indian Defence Minister George Fernandes has warned others not to intervene.

00:39
SOUNDBITE: (English)
"I don't think we need to be told by any body about restraint. What we have done is ensure that our security concerns are taken care of. And on that there is no compromise with anybody at any point in time."
SUPER CAPTION: George Fernandes, Indian Defence Minister

01:02
Washington has pressed India and Pakistan to sign a test ban treaty and to back away from developing their delivery systems.

But for now the world awaits the reaction of Pakistan.

01:14 VISION ENDS

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