India test-fires nuclear-capable missile

India has conducted a successful test of a short-range nuclear-capable ballistic missile during a military exercise in the state of Orissa, officials say.

The upgraded Agni-I, with a 435-mile (700-kilometer) range, was fired from a testing range on an island off the eastern state of Orissa.

“The missile followed the trajectory perfectly and reached the designated spot in the Bay of Bengal, where ships witnessed its detonation,” said Ministry spokesman Sitanshu Kar, quoted by the Associated Press.

The missile, developed in India, has been tested several times in the past as well.

According to the ministry, Pakistan was informed ahead of Thursday’s test as part of a “standard practice.”

Nuclear-capable India and Pakistan, which have fought three wars, two over the disputed Himalayan territory of Kashmir, routinely carry out missile tests but normally notify each other in advance under an agreement.

India and Pakistan have also occasionally tested conventional and unconventional weapons since their independence.

Both neighbors have refused to sign the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and other treaties that restrict developing or testing nuclear weapons.