India Tests Agni-5 Nuclear-Capable Missile Reaching China, Pakistan

India has successfully test-fired its Agni-5 intermediate-range ballistic missile, capable of carrying nuclear warheads deep into Chinese and Pakistani territory, signaling a significant boost to its strategic deterrence. The missile, with a range of over 5,000 kilometers and potential extension up to 7,500 kilometers, can carry multiple independently targetable re-entry vehicles (MIRVs), allowing it to strike multiple targets simultaneously. This test coincides with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming visit to China, underscoring India's growing military capabilities amid ongoing border tensions. The Agni-5 is designed for mobility and rapid deployment, enhancing its survivability and operational flexibility. The development alarms neighboring Pakistan, especially under its new military leadership, and positions India among elite missile-capable nations, reinforcing its stance in the region's nuclear balance. Analysts note that such missile tests are routine among nuclear powers, but India's advancements mark a notable leap in its deterrence posture against its nuclear-armed neighbors.