In a carefully-worded message on India’s Agni-V test the United States urged nuclear-capable states like India to “exercise restraint,” regarding their nuclear capabilities.
However it simultaneously praised India’s “solid nonproliferation record.”
On Thursday India tested the intercontinental ballistic missile with a 5000-plus kilometre range, capable of delivering a nuclear payload deep into Chinese territory. The missile blasted off from Wheeler Island and officials confirmed that the launch had been successful.
In a briefing State Department Spokesman Mark Toner said India was engaged with the international community on nonproliferation issues, particularly noting that Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had attended the two nuclear security summits held thus far, one each in Washington and Seoul.
He however added, “Naturally, I just would say that we urge all nuclear-capable states to exercise restraint regarding nuclear capabilities. That said, India has a solid non-proliferation record.”
To a question on whether the U.S. had discussed the Agni-V test with Indian officials he said, “I’m not aware that we’ve specifically raised this issue with them. We’ve certainly seen the reports that between April 18th and 20th that they plan to test this ballistic missile.” He also alluded to the fact that the launch had initially been postponed owing to bad weather.
Yet in this context Mr. Toner emphasised the strength of India-U.S. defence ties, saying, “You know that we’ve got a very strong strategic and security partnership with India, so we obviously have routine discussions about a wide range of topics, including their defence requirements.”
The test was greeted with scepticism in Chinese media. China’s Global Times newspaper, owned by media linked to the Communist Party, said, “India should not overestimate its strength. Even if it has missiles that could reach most parts of China that does not mean it will gain anything from being arrogant during disputes with China.”
It further warned, “India should be clear that China's nuclear power is stronger and more reliable. For the foreseeable future, India would stand no chance in an overall arms race with China.”
Keywords: Agni-V launch
Clear signs that China is behaving the 'Big Brother' way! The same way
U.S has been behaving over many years.
The sole objective of developing and testing the Agni missile is to show one's nuclear supremacy and annihilate the other forces. It's just not worth..
@ Vignesh, Both Print and Electronic media were saying it has the capability to reach the farthest corner of China (a country which we have fought and lost a war in 1962). This test demonstrates, we have a credible deterrent. It doesn't mean (Print and Electronic) have declared them as an enemy.
The success of India is nothing new, its present show is just a eye wash..a country that has been sending space craft to moon and aiming for Mars, and since so many years sending space ships ..exploding nuclear and thermonuclear devices...what do you think..only now India got the technology...I remember many years back ..read an statement of some American scientist..he said "its foolish to say that India do not have the capability of ICBM.. a country sending long distance rockets with pay loads can easily convert it to ICBM.
But, similar to delayed nuclear explosions due to international pressure... ICBM tests was also delayed by many years...even SURYA with a 10,000 km range was planned many years back but due to US pressure the plan was delayed or shelved. But, now as the relation with US has improved, many such tests will be seen in near future.
Congratulations to DRDA for taking India ahead on technological
innovation and application front.In space technology, DRDA should make
further stride in achieving superior technology. India should not be
cowed down by threats from so-called superior neighbours who are
threatening us at the fall of a hat. We are a nation of one billion-plus
population. We should try to march ahead in all fronts.
2. DRDA is poised to take us ahead in the desired direction. Agni-V is
test case for that.
Congratulations! DRDO for taking india into the ICBM elite. However,
the reactions of China over this issue appear disbelieving. Though i
agree with China warning India not to feel overpowered at its success
with ICBM, I strongly contend China's attitude towards other
countries. Having seen the way China deals with the United States
about under pricing its own currency and now its statements about
india's ICBM success, its clear that China is not looking for a
complete reconciliation with other countries, but it wants to race, in
all possible ways and in all possible fields. Its high time China
learn being diplomatic and prevent earning wrath of the US and the
likes.
Congratulations to DRDO for thier success. Repeat the same for Thejus at the earliest too.
In my view it would be better to stop comparing with any nation and its capabilities. We should focus on innovation and indoginisation of all things right from pen to missiles, saftey jackets to Aircraft career. Instead of thinking about what others do, if we each and everyone focus on how well we could delever then it would be the greatest game changer in each and everyfield. In an honest environment it will be hard to move for a dishonet person and the opposite is also true.
Well it is a great achievement, and no doubt about that. But do we have to keep naming the “enemy” ? Do we have to keep telling the world this missile is for China ?.. what does that achieve ? China is smarter than India, they know who is a threat and they actively keep an eye on them, so we do not need to explicitly give them this message. Besides naming an enemy is to make an enemy.
The world reaction just shows that India is not an aggressor in any conflicts. India was never arrogant country. It is just polite and firm unlike China which always blabbers.
I think PCI should reprimand Chinese statement. We are not arrogant in
anyway and also we didn't flaunt off of the success of this test, indeed
its is a huge success. I think China is rankled with our success.
US must take in account its own inventory first. It must note that every
country has its own calculations for the self-defense. Whatever India is
trying to do, it is doing for self-defense only, it would never create
any arms-race with anyone including Pakistan. It wishes to live
peacefully and likes to contribute to those countries who need as such.
But if with ulterior motives some country may try to threaten India,
that country would be replied back appropriately - for that, India would
continue to work hard.
u.s and china are getting worried due to india increasing power.
To the Chinese...
It's deterrence mate. We no we are not as powerful as you. And about
arrogance, don't you think you too need to work on it?
China, clearly, is intimidated. That's what we'd want. Tough talk on the outside without provocation reflects a weak inside.
Please Email the Editor