Agni-V is an intercontinental ballistic
missile developed by the Defence Research and
Development Organisation (DRDO) of India. It is part of the Agni series of missiles, one of the missile
systems under the original Integrated Guided
Missile Development Programme. It will greatly expand India's reach to
strike targets at least 5,500 kilometres (3,400 mi) away.
Chinese experts though, felt that the missile actually has the potential to
reach targets 8,000 kilometres (5,000 mi) away and that the Indian government
had "deliberately downplayed the missile's capability in order to avoid causing
concern to other countries". The exact range of
Agni-V is classified.
- People's Republic of China – A spokesman for China's Foreign Ministry, Liu Weimin, said, "China and India are large developing nations. We are not competitors but partners. We believe that both sides should cherish the hard-won good state of affairs at present, and work hard to uphold friendly strategic co-operation to promote joint development and make positive contributions towards maintaining peace and stability in the region."] The state-owned China Central Television (CCTV) reported that the test was "a historic moment for India, and it shows that India has joined the club of the countries that own ballistic missiles." However, CCTV listed some of the missile's shortcomings and reported that "it does not pose a threat in reality." More negative commentary can be found in Global Times, which reported that India "still lags behind in infrastructure construction, but its society is highly supportive of developing nuclear power and the West chooses to overlook India's disregard of nuclear and missile control treaties" and warned India not to "over-estimate its strength". Subsequently, they also claimed that India would stand "no chance" in an arms race, and that India's only aim was to "catch up" to China's military power Chinese experts felt that the missile actually has the potential to reach targets 8,000 kilometres (5,000 mi) away and that the the Indian government had "deliberately downplayed the missile's capability in order to avoid causing concern to other countries".
- Pakistan – Pakistani websites and news agencies prominently displayed news of the launch. An article by the Associated Press reported that Pakistani officials showed no concern, with the foreign office spokesman Mozzam Ahmed Khan saying only that India had informed it of the test ahead of time in line with an agreement they have."
- United Kingdom – The BBC reported that the launch marked the moment India joined an "elite nuclear club" that also included China, Russia, France, the US, the UK and possibly Israel.
- United States – The United States stated that India boasted of an excellent non-proliferation record and that it had engaged with the international community on such issues.Mark C. Toner, a US State Department spokesman said, "We urge all nuclear-capable states to exercise restraint regarding nuclear capabilities. That said, India has a solid nonproliferation record." Moreover, responding to comparisons with North Korea's attempted launch of a long-range rocket that same week, Jay Carney said that, "India's record stands in stark contrast to that of North Korea, which has been subject to numerous sanctions, as you know, by the United Nations Security Council."
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