By Thanesh Veeramutu
INDIA, 21 August 2025: India has successfully conducted a test-firing of its Agni-5 intermediate-range ballistic missile from a facility in the eastern state of Odisha. The launch, which took place on Tuesday, was announced by the Ministry of Defence as a complete success, with all operational and technical parameters validated.
This test underscores India’s growing focus on defence self-reliance and its strategic posture in an increasingly volatile region.Developed indigenously, the Agni-5 is a key component of India’s strategic arsenal and is believed to have the capability to reach any part of China. The test comes at a time of acute strategic competition with Beijing, following a deadly border clash in 2020.
Despite ongoing diplomatic efforts, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit, tensions remain high. The missile also adds to India’s deterrent capabilities against its long-standing regional rival, Pakistan, which is also a nuclear power.
The missile test also occurs amid complex geopolitical dynamics with the West. It reflects New Delhi’s push for technological advancement while navigating strained relations with the United States. Washington has threatened to double import tariffs on Indian goods unless India reduces its purchase of Russian crude oil.
The Agni-5 joins a growing suite of Indian-developed short and medium-range ballistic missiles aimed at bolstering the country’s defensive capabilities. This latest test reaffirms India’s commitment to strengthening its strategic position and its push for self-reliance in a complex global landscape.
