20 March 2004	Saturday	28 Muharram 1425

BHUBANESHWAR, March 19: India successfully tested a short-range nuclear-capable ballistic missile on Friday at an eastern coastal test range.

The test of the indigenously built Prithvi missile that can carry a nuclear warhead took place at the Chandipur-on-Sea test site in the eastern state of Orissa.

"The test took place from a mobile launcher at 10.10am to finetune the accuracy of the missile," an official said. "It is an extended version being developed for the Indian airforce," he added.

The Prithvi missile has a range of 150-300 kilometres and can carry conventional and nuclear warheads. A variant of it has already been inducted into the Indian army. A scientist at the test range said he was "happy with the test results". -Reuters