India on Wednesday successfully test-fired the nuclear capable Agni-5 missile that can strike targets at a range of up to 5,000 kilometres with a very high degree of accuracy, according to a statement issued by the defence ministry.

The test is being seen by defence experts as a strong message to India’s belligerent neighbour China’s constant flexing of “missile muscle.”

Agni-5, which can be categorised as an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM), was launched from the APJ Abdul Kalam Island, off the coast of Odisha, at 7:50 pm.

“The successful test of Agni-5 is in line with India’s stated policy to have ‘credible minimum deterrence’ that underpins the commitment to ‘No First Use’" of nuclear weapons, the brief statement issued by the defence ministry said.

The successful test of Agni-5 is in line with India's stated policy to have "credible minimum deterrence" that underpins the commitment to "No First Use".

The missile is the bedrock of India's nuclear deterrent along with submarine-based nuclear missiles, which do not have such a long range.

The missile uses a three-stage solid fuelled engine and is advanced version of the Agni series of developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation. India has already inducted some of the other variants of the Agni.

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