New record in the arms race between New Delhi and Beijing:
India last night (Wednesday) conducted an experiment with the ballistic missile "Agani-5", which is capable of carrying a nuclear warhead for distances of up to 5,000 kilometers.
The Indian army launched the missile from the east coast of the giant country, and it hit the water in the heart of the Bay of Bengal.
"The successful experiment is consistent with a 'minimum deterrence' policy based on the commitment not to make 'first use' (nuclear weapons)," the New Delhi Ministry of Defense said.
In the past, several tests have been carried out on the missile, which stands 17 meters high, but this was the first time that its launch was carried out at night.
"The purpose of the trial date is to send a message to Beijing," Indian media reported.
Tensions between the two most populous countries in the world began in June last year, when 20 Indian fighters were killed in the Galvan River Valley area in the Dahh region of India, near Tibet, and regarding its status the two countries disagree.
India's Ballistic Missile, 2013, Photo: AP
The fact that these are two countries with advanced military nuclear capabilities is a cause for concern around the world, all the more so after last week the Financial Times reported that Beijing conducted an experiment in which a missile orbiting the Earth missed its target by only 32 kilometers.
India, on the other hand, is one of the major purchasers of the advanced Russian air defense systems S-400.
India's chief of staff, General Manoj Mukund Narbana, announced earlier this month that after China increased its forces in the disputed border region between the two countries, New Delhi had taken a similar step. "China has significantly increased its military presence on the 3,500-kilometer border," the Indian chief of staff said. "This development is disturbing.
We have advanced weapons.
We are strong and ready for any development. "
Narbana's criticism to the media came after the Chinese Foreign Ministry accused New Delhi a few days ago that "Indian soldiers had illegally crossed the border into Chinese territory."
