India has successfully conducted a test launch of a nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missile. The launch was carried out for the first time on Friday evening, May 8, over the Bay of Bengal near the coast of Odisha in eastern India. According to an Indian security source cited by The Times of India, only the United States, Russia, China, and North Korea currently possess intercontinental missile technology with a range exceeding 12,000 kilometers. However, India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation has not yet issued any official statement regarding the test. The source stated that the missile was not the much-anticipated Agni-6, but it belongs to the category of intercontinental ballistic missiles, meaning its range exceeds 5,500 kilometers. It is believed that the missile could have a range of more than 10,000 kilometers. If India fully achieves this capability, nearly any region of the world could potentially fall within the reach of its missile systems. Just days before the reported test, the chairman of India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation stated that all technological preparations for the Agni-6 missile had already been completed and that development could move forward once government approval was granted. Meanwhile, on Friday evening, residents across several districts of Bangladesh witnessed a mysterious long streak of light in the sky resembling a missile launch. Similar sightings were reported in Cox’s Bazar, Chattogram, Pirojpur, Madaripur, and other areas. Defense analysts believe the phenomenon may have been connected to India’s intercontinental missile test. Although the Indian government has not officially confirmed the launch, a Notice to Airmen, commonly known as a NOTAM, had already been issued over parts of the Bay of Bengal ahead of the event. The Economic Times also reported that while no formal announcement was made, the airspace restrictions imposed over the Bay of Bengal strongly indicated preparations for a possible missile test.
India tests intercontinental ballistic missile in Bay of Bengal
