India tests longest-range missile

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/world/south_asia/6547449.stm

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India has test-fired its longest-range nuclear-capable ballistic missile nine months after its first launch failed.

The Agni-III surface-to-surface missile was test-fired off the coast of Orissa state in eastern India, defence officials said.

Reports say it could hit targets as far off as Beijing and Shanghai.

The Agni-III is India's most sophisticated long-range missile. Analysts say it has a range of more than 3,000km (1,865 miles).

An attempt to test the missile in July last year failed after it developed a snag during the flight and came crashing down into the Bay of Bengal.

The missile was re-configured for the second launch.

It is not yet known whether the test has been successful.

India has been engaged in peace moves with Pakistan since 2004 and relations with China have warmed significantly in recent years