India successfully tested the Agni-5 intermediate-range ballistic missile capable of carrying multiple nuclear warheads and reported at a range of 700 to 900 kilometers. Military officials said the test validated operational and technical parameters. The test occurred ahead of threatened US tariff increases tied to Indian purchases of Russian oil, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi said higher duties require greater defense self-reliance. The launch followed heightened tensions with Pakistan after an attack in Kashmir; Islamabad plans a military force to oversee missile combat capabilities. The Agni-5 can reach nearly the entire Asian continent, and the test precedes Modi's upcoming visit to China.
Local news outlets reported its range as 700 to 900 kilometers (430 to 560 miles). The show of force comes just ahead of a major increase in US tariffs on India. The US has threatened to raise tariffs from 25% to 50% by Aug. 27 if India does not stop purchasing Russian oil. Last month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the new duties meant the country would need to become more self-reliant in defense.
Military officials said the test of the Agni-5 missile "validated all operational and technical parameters." The test follows heightened tensions with neighboring Pakistan after an attack in Kashmir. The Agni-5 can reach nearly the entire Asian continent, including Pakistan and China. Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced last week that his country would create a new military force to oversee missile combat capabilities in conventional warfare. India's missile test also comes ahead of Modi's upcoming visit to China next month, his first since 2018.
Collection
[
|
...
]