It's not a threat and shouldn't be seen as such', that's the clear message
from the Indian government as the country's test launched its first
nuclear-capable missile.
So here's the science bit: it's called the Agni V and has a range of more
than 5,000 kilometres, meaning it could hit deep into China and reach
Eastern Europe. The missile blasted through the clouds in the early hours
off India's east coast to great fanfare, the country's President Manmohan
Singh thanking the scientists who made it happen.
The flexing of muscles in the missile department comes just days after North
Korea tried to do the same thing. That ended  in a well-documented flop. And
despite memories of the war between India and China 50 years ago, China
shrugged off the launch, with its state broadcaster effectively
congratulating the 'historic moment' for India, saying it had 'joined the
club' of countries that own ballistic missiles.
NATO also agreed that the missile is not a threat. India recognises it has a
long way to go – at least 4 or 5 more trials apparently - before it could
ever be part of their active defence systems. But there's no doubt the race
to show prowess when it comes to long range weapons in Asia is most
definitely on.