India dismisses US 'go-ahead' for Agni-III launch

Jun 9, 2006, 12:34 GMT

New Delhi, June 9 (IANS) Indian officials Friday dismissed a media report that claimed the US had given its nod for test firing the nuclear-capable Agni-III intercontinental ballistic missile, saying this was only the interpretation of Washington think tank Stratfor.

'The think tank has interpreted a statement Gen. Peter Pace (chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff) made here (this week) to imply that the US had given its go ahead for the test. India has made it amply clear that we have imposed a voluntary ban on testing and that is where the matter stands,' a defence ministry official said.

Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee said India would publicly announce the Agni-III test firing when it happens

'As and when this test takes place, you will come to know. There cannot be any premature publicity,' Mukherjee told reporters on the sidelines of a defence awards function here.

Pace, while replying to a question on Agni-III at a press conference here Monday, had said: 'India is a sovereign nation and can decide for itself what weapons it needs. Missile tests do not necessarily destabilise the region'.

The think tank has taken this as tacit US approval for the test, the official said.

Media reports last month said the Agni-III test flight had been put off under pressure from Washington, which felt this would send all the wrong signals at a time when the US Congress, as also the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), were considering the proposed India-US civilian nuclear deal.

Mukherjee had immediately rubbished the suggestion.

'We have no pressure on us. We have decided on a self-imposed restraint,' Mukherjee said May 15.

'As responsible members of the international community, we want to keep our international commitments on non-proliferation,' he added.

There have been indications since 2004 that Agni-III, a three-stage missile that adds a third stage to the first and second stages of Agni-II, was ready for launch.

Deployed from rail or road mobile launch vehicles, Agni-III is understood to be equipped with inertial guidance systems with improved optical or radar terminal phase correlation systems.

This would give it a high degree of accuracy with a medium to large nuclear payload of between 200 and 300 kilo tonnes (KT).

The Agni-I, with a range of 700-800 km, and Agni-II, with a 2,000 km range, have already been inducted in the Indian Army as part of country's minimum deterrent.

Agni-I is Pakistan specific while Agni-II and Agni-III are meant to counter threats from China.

© 2006 Indo-Asian News Service