http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080323/ap_on_re_as/india_missile_testNEW DELHI - India successfully tested a short-range version of its most powerful nuclear-capable missile Sunday, the defense ministry said
The Agni-I missile, which can travel up to 435 miles, was test-fired over the Bay of Bengal from Wheeler's Island off India's east coast in the morning, a ministry statement said. The Agni-1 can carry both conventional and nuclear warheads.
"The missile had a textbook performance in terms of range, accuracy and lethality," it said.
This missile has been tested several times in the past.
India and neighboring longtime rival Pakistan — which also has nuclear weapons — routinely test-fire missiles. The two countries have fought three wars since their independence from Britain in 1947.
Both nations usually notify each other before conducting such tests. It was not immediately clear if Pakistan was notified this time.
No immediate response from Pakistan was available Sunday evening.
India has a variety of missiles including the short-range Prithvi ballistic missile, the medium-range Akash, and the supersonic Brahmos. The Agni missiles are the most powerful.
India last year successfully test-fired the Agni-III, which is capable of carrying nuclear warheads across much of Asia and the Middle East.
New Delhi says it developed its missile program as a deterrent against neighbors China and Pakistan.
