India has said it successfully test-fired an intermediate-range ballistic missile that, when operational, should be capable of carrying a nuclear warhead to any part of China.
The Agni-5 missile was successfully launched in India’s eastern Odisha state on Wednesday, and authorities said it “validated all operational and technical parameters”.
India and China, the world’s two most populous nations, are intense rivals competing for influence across south Asia and relations plummeted in 2020 after a deadly border clash.
India is also part of the Quad security alliance with the US, Australia and Japan, which is seen as a counter to China.
Modi is expected to make his first visit to China since 2018 this month to attend the summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation – a regional security bloc.
The US says it will double new import tariffs on India from 25% to 50% by 27 August if New Delhi does not switch crude suppliers.
The Agni-5 is one of a number of indigenously produced short- and medium-range Indian ballistic missiles aimed at boosting its defence posture against Pakistan, as well as China. »