New Delhi: In a major boost to its military might, India on Wednesday successfully test-fired surface-to-surface ballistic missile Agni-5 that can strike targets at ranges up to 5,000 km with a very high degree of accuracy, officials said. The test-firing was carried around 7:50 PM from APJ Abdul Kalam Island in Odisha.

"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 defence ministry said.

The successful test-firing of the missile, which is being seen as a strong message to Beijing, has come in the backdrop of a lingering border standoff with China in eastern Ladakh.

Agni-5, which broadly falls into the category of an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile or ICBM, uses a three-stage solid fuelled engine. It will be the bedrock of India's nuclear deterrent along with submarine-based nuclear missiles, which have not yet been tested close to this range.

Agni-1 to 5 missiles are designed and developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). At present, apart from the Agni-5, the other Agni missiles in India’s armoury are: Agni-1 with a 700-km range, Agni-2 with a 2,000-km range, Agni-3 and Agni-4 with 2,500 km to more than 3,500 km range.

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