China has recently queried India’s missile program, drawing upon a United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSC 1172), in the light of forthcoming reports on the Agni-V intercontinental ballistic missile test. The UNSC resolution was rolled out post India’s nuclear tests in 1998.
About the Agni V Missile
Known as the most sophisticated indigenous surface-to-surface ballistic missile, the Agni-V is a significant development in Indian missile technology. This three-stage, solid fuelled, 17-metre tall missile can carry a nuclear warhead of around 1.5 tonnes. With a fire and forget mechanism, the Agni-V, once launched, cannot be halted unless intercepted by another missile.
Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP)
The Agni-V is a product of the IGMDP, an initiative envisaged by Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. Aimed at equipping India with self-sufficiency in the domain of missile technology, the IGMDP was sanctioned by the Indian Government in 1983 and successfully completed in March 2012. The programme yielded five missiles known by the acronym P-A-T-N-A: Prithvi, Agni, Trishul, Nag, and Akash.
The Agni Class of Missiles
The Agni class of missiles form the crux of India’s nuclear launch capability. The range of these missiles varies significantly. Agni I has a range of 700-800 km, while Agni II exceeds 2000 km. Agni III boasts a range more than 2500 Km, and Agni IV can fire from a road mobile launcher with a range surpassing 3500 km. Agni-V is the longest in the Agni series, intercontinental with a range beyond 5000 km. Lastly, the Agni-P is a canisterised missile replacing Agni I, with a range between 1000 and 2000 km.
InterContinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBM)
A select few nations, namely, the US, China, Russia, France, and North Korea, possess InterContinental Ballistic Missiles. This land-based, nuclear-armed ballistic missile has a range exceeding 5,600 km.
UNSC Resolution 1172
In response to the nuclear tests conducted in 1998, the UNSC resolution 1172 urged India and Pakistan to halt their nuclear weapon development programmes, refrain from weaponisation or deploying nuclear weapons, cease the development of ballistic missiles capable of delivering nuclear weapons, and prevent any further production of fissile material for nuclear weapons.
China’s Controversial Claims
Although China has targeted India’s missile programme using the UNSC resolution, it has concurrently been aiding Pakistan’s nuclear and missile programmes by supplying enriched uranium and nuclear-capable missile technology.
Strategic Stability in Asia
It is essential that India insist on a comprehensive nuclear dialogue with China for strategic stability in Asia, in spite of China’s reluctance to recognise India’s nuclear weapons status. There is an urgent need to expose the Sino-Pakistan nuclear/missile collusion to major world capitals to counter Chinese arrogance and promote closer consultations with Asian countries like Japan, Vietnam, and Indonesia.
