India missile test roils up tension

The Washington Post

NEW DELHI, India — India Friday successfully test-fired the newest version of a surface-to-surface missile capable of carrying a nuclear warhead, drawing condemnation from neighboring Pakistan in the midst of a tense military standoff between the two countries.

The Agni II missile, said to have a range of up to 420 miles, was launched over the Bay of Bengal Friday morning from a seaside site in the eastern Indian state of Orissa, Indian officials said. Defense Minister George Fernandes witnessed the test and declared the mission "flawless."

Indian officials said that the test was part of long-term military plans and the timing was unrelated to current hostility between the two South Asian nuclear rivals.

But Pakistani officials immediately called the test provocative. "The test comes at a time of tensions when the Indian forces are massed on our borders," the Pakistan Foreign Ministry said in a written statement, adding, "We hope the international community will take note of this Indian behavior, which is prejudicial to the pursuit of stability in our region, especially during the current situation."

The Agni II is a two-stage, solid-fuel intermediate-range missile. Early, longer-range versions can travel up to 1,500 miles, putting India’s missiles within reach of major targets in Pakistan and China.

When the first test of the Agni II was conducted in April 1999, Pakistan responded within a week by testing its intermediate-range Ghauri II and Shaheen missiles. The most recent test firing of an Agni II took place a year ago.

In 1996, India suspended of the Agni program under pressure from the United States, only to revive it in response to Pakistan’s test of the Hatf-3 missile in 1997. Both India and Pakistan conducted nuclear tests in May 1998.

India currently has only one type of nuclear-capable missile in service, the short-range Prithvi, which can travel 90 to 150 miles and carry a payload of 1,200 to 2,400 pounds, the weight of a modest-size nuclear warhead. India has deployed Prithvi missiles along its border with Pakistan.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Refugee and Immigrant Services Northwest Senior Associate ESL Instructor James Wilcox, right, works on speaking and writing with Anfal Zaroug, 32, who is accompanied by her daughter Celia Hassen, 6 months, on Friday, Nov. 15, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
What will Trump’s immigration policy mean for Snohomish County?

The president-elect has vowed to ramp up deportations and limit legal immigration.

Water cascades down the Lower Falls near the Woody Trail at Wallace Falls State Park near Gold Bar on Thursday, Sept. 17, 2015. A nearly six mile round-trip to the park's Upper Falls offers hikers an array of vistas on a well maintained trail.
Wallace Falls closed due to bomb cyclone damage

Over 170 trees fell in last month’s storm. The park near Gold Bar is closed until further notice.

Neepaporn “A” Boungjaktha (Snohomish County)
Snohomish County executive director takes new gig with Port of Seattle

Neepaporn “A” Boungjaktha joined the county in 2022. Her last day will be Jan. 2.

People walk into the Everett Library off of Hoyt Avenue on Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
How will new Everett library hours affect its programs?

This month, the two branches scaled back their hours in light of budget cuts stemming from a city deficit.

The Evergreen Branch of the Everett Public Library is open and ready for blast off. Dillon Works, of Mukilteo, designed this eye-catching sculpture that greets people along Evergreen Way.   (Dan Bates / The Herald)
Snohomish County awards money to improve warming, cooling centers

The money for HVAC improvements will allow facilities to better serve as temporary shelters for weather-related events.

Marysville
Marysville to hold post-holiday ‘tree-cycling’ event

You can dispose of your tree and holiday packaging Jan. 4.

Logo for news use featuring the municipality of Mukilteo in Snohomish County, Washington. 220118
Shelter in place lifted after Mukilteo ammonia leak

Multiple fire departments were on scene of the leak at Pacific Seafood on Friday morning.

Lynnwood
Man identified after fatal crash into Lynnwood apartments

Police believe Jess Henderson drove through a stop sign, off the sidewalk and into Whispering Cedars Apartment Homes.

The Arlington Public Schools Administration Building is pictured on Tuesday, April 16, 2024, in Arlington, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Arlington School District to try cheaper levy measure

Following several defeats, Arlington is trying again to pass a measure to build a smaller Post Middle School.

A member of the Fire Marshal’s Office circles the remnants of Seattle Laestadian Lutheran Church after it was completely destroyed by a fire Friday, August 25, 2023, near Maltby, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Texas woman accused of arson in Maltby church fire

The August 2023 fire destroyed the Seattle Laestadian Lutheran Church. Natasha Odell faces state and federal charges.

Everett
Police searching for suspect in fatal Everett shooting

A man was found with multiple gunshot wounds Wednesday night in the Silver Lake neighborhood, police said.

The Safeway at 4128 Rucker Ave. on Wednesday. This location was set to be one of the 19 in Snohomish County sold to C&S Wholesale if the merger between Kroger and Albertsons went through. (Will Geschke / The Herald)
Washington unions celebrate Kroger-Albertsons merger’s demise

Nineteen grocery stores in Snohomish County would have been sold if the deal went through.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.