India tests long-range missile

India has launched its longest-range nuclear-capable ballistic missile. The Agni-III, which has the potential to reach targets in China, was launched from Wheeler Island, off the country's east coast, yesterday and landed near the Nicobar Islands in the Bay of Bengal. It was witnessed by scientists and Pranab Mukherjee, India's defence minister.

The launch is seen as a critical step forward for India's ballistic missile programme, which grew out of its civilian space industry. The rocket can be fired from land or sea and has a range of 2,200 miles.

Analysts say it paves the way for India to produce its Surya intercontinental ballistic missile.

There had been speculation that the Agni-III test flight had been delayed because of pressure from Washington. The reason, claimed many reports, was that the Bush administration felt a launch would send the wrong signal at a time when US Congress was considering a civilian nuclear deal which would give New Delhi access to atomic energy.