The New Nation - Internet Edition

AFP, New Delhi

India on Sunday test fired a medium-range nuclear-capable ballistic missile capable of hitting most targets in neighbouring Pakistan, a defence official said. The Agni-1 missile, which has a range of more than 700 kilometres (430 miles), was fired at 10:15 am (0445 GMT) from an island off the coast of the eastern state of Orissa, the official said. "The user trial of the missile passed the requisite expectations," said the official, speaking on condition of anonymity. The Agni -- Sanskrit for "fire" -- is a 12-metre (39-foot) medium-range ballistic missile that can be fired from mobile launchers and can carry a one-tonne warhead. In April, India staged a successful test of Agni-III, its longest range ballistic missile capable of transporting a nuclear warhead more than 3,000 kilometres, putting targets deep inside China within its reach.