India announced on Wednesday the successful test launch of an Agni-5 intermediate-range ballistic missile, capable of carrying a nuclear warhead to any part of China. The missile was fired from the eastern state of Odisha, and authorities confirmed it validated all operational and technical parameters.
The test comes amid ongoing rivalry between India and China, the world's two most populous nations, competing for influence across South Asia. Relations deteriorated sharply after a deadly border clash in 2020. India is also a member of the Quad security alliance with the US, Australia, and Japan, widely seen as a counterbalance to China.
India's nuclear-armed neighbour Pakistan remains a key concern. The two countries nearly went to war in May after a militant attack in Indian-administered Kashmir killed 26 people, which New Delhi blamed on Islamabad. Pakistan denied involvement.
Despite tensions, India and China have recently moved to mend ties amid global trade and geopolitical turbulence triggered by US tariff policies. In October, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Chinese President Xi Jinping for the first time in five years at a summit in Russia. Modi is expected to visit China this month for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit.
Relations between New Delhi and Washington have been strained by US President Donald Trump's demand that India end purchases of Russian oil. The US has threatened to double import tariffs on India from 25% to 50% by 27 August if it does not switch crude suppliers. The Agni-5 is part of India's indigenous missile programme aimed at bolstering defence against both Pakistan and China.
