India test-fires nuclear-capable Agni missile amid regional tensions
The missile test comes amid rising tensions with Pakistan, following a recent attack in Kashmir. Pakistan has announced plans to create a specialized military force to oversee missile combat capabilities in conventional warfare; an impending increase in US tariffs on India, which could rise from 25% to 50% by August 27 if India continues purchasing Russian oil and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to China next month, marking his first visit since 2018, despite India’s participation in a defense alliance with the US, Australia, and Japan.
India has successfully tested an intermediate-range ballistic missile capable of carrying multiple nuclear warheads, government officials confirmed Wednesday, reports dw.com
The missile, part of the Agni program first launched in 1983, has a reported range of 700 to 900 kilometers (430–560 miles), covering strategic targets across the region.
The test validates all operational and technical parameters, according to military authorities, and signals a show of strength ahead of several geopolitical and economic developments.
The missile test comes amid rising tensions with Pakistan, following a recent attack in Kashmir. Pakistan has announced plans to create a specialized military force to oversee missile combat capabilities in conventional warfare; an impending increase in US tariffs on India, which could rise from 25% to 50% by August 27 if India continues purchasing Russian oil and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to China next month, marking his first visit since 2018, despite India’s participation in a defense alliance with the US, Australia, and Japan.
The Agni-5 missile is capable of striking nearly the entire Asian continent, including key targets in Pakistan and China, underscoring India’s growing self-reliance in defense.
Prime Minister Modi has emphasized that the country must strengthen its domestic defense capabilities amid rising global and regional pressures.
The test represents both a technical milestone for India’s missile program and a geopolitical signal to neighboring countries and international partners.
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