NEW DELHI, April 6: India hopes to test-fire later this year a new, longer-range missile that can carry a nuclear warhead, the government said Sunday. The weapon could reach far into neighbouring countries including Pakistan and China.

The United States and other western countries had urged India to abandon development of the Agni III missile, saying they are worried about an escalating nuclear arms race between India and Pakistan.

“The test-firing of Agni III is overdue and we feel the need for that long-range missile as part of our policy of deterrence,” Defence Minister George Fernandes was quoted as saying by Press Trust of India.

“The date has not been firmed up. (The) effort is to see that it is test-fired this year,” he was quoted as saying. The Agni III’s exact range hasn’t been disclosed, but government officials have said it could be more than 3,000 kilometres (1,800 miles).—APP