India tests long-range missile

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India test-fired a long range missile capable of reaching deep into China and Europe on Thursday (April 19).

The launch puts the emerging Asian power into an elite club of nations with intercontinental nuclear weapons capabilities.

A scientist at the launch site said the launch was successful, minutes after television images showed the rocket with a range of more than 5,000 km (3,100 miles) blasting through clouds from an island off India's east coast.

The Indian-made Agni V is the crowning achievement of a now-mothballed missile programme developed primarily with a possible threat from neighbouring China in mind.

Only the U.N. Security Council permanent members - China, France, Russia, the United States and Britain - along with Israel, are believed to have such long-range weapons.

Fast emerging as a world economic power, India is keen to play a larger role on the global stage, and has long angled for a permanent seat on the Security Council.

In recent years it has emerged as the world's top arms importer as it rushes to upgrade equipment for a large but outdated military.

The launch was flagged well in advance.

It has attracted none of the criticism from the West faced by North Korea, over its failed bid to send up a rocket last week, although China noted the launch with disapproval.