India test-fires ICBM capable of reaching China
January 18, 2018
India carried out a "successful" test of its Agni-V inter-continental ballistic missile (ICBM), officials said on Thursday.
The country's Defense Ministry announced the test-launch on Twitter, saying that it was fired from Abdul Kalam Island at 9:53 a.m. local time (0423 GMT).
In another tweet, Defense Minister Nirmala Sitharaman called the test launch "a major boost to the defense capabilities of our country." The Agni-V missile is capable of carrying a nuclear warhead.
Read more: Is India turning its nuclear focus toward China?
The missile's reported range of 5,000 kilometers (3,106 miles) puts neighboring Pakistan, China and portions of Europe within striking distance.
According to the Federation of American Scientists, India has between 120 and 130 warheads in its possession.