India is reportedly set to test-fire a new long-range nuclear-capable missile this week.
If successful, the test would bring India into a small club of countries that possess the technology for intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs).
Media reports quoted officials as saying scientists were preparing to test-fire the Agni-V, with a range of more than 5,000 kilometers, between April 18 and April 20.
Only the permanent members of the UN Security Council -- Britain, China, France, Russia, and the United States -- along with Israel, are believed to have such long distance missiles.
The test will be carried out from a coastal range in the eastern state of Orissa.
The launch will be carefully watched, in particular by India's nuclear-armed rivals China and Pakistan.
If successful, the test would bring India into a small club of countries that possess the technology for intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs).
Media reports quoted officials as saying scientists were preparing to test-fire the Agni-V, with a range of more than 5,000 kilometers, between April 18 and April 20.
Only the permanent members of the UN Security Council -- Britain, China, France, Russia, and the United States -- along with Israel, are believed to have such long distance missiles.
The test will be carried out from a coastal range in the eastern state of Orissa.
The launch will be carefully watched, in particular by India's nuclear-armed rivals China and Pakistan.
