Both India and Pakistan flight-tested short-range, nuclear-capable ballistic missiles today, according to reports.

India tested a Prithvi missile at the Chandipur test range in the eastern state of Orissa, said Indian Defense Ministry spokesman Baljit Singh Menon (see GSN, Feb. 6).  The test was routine and meant to improve a version of the missile that will be used by the Indian Army, Menon said, adding that test was “successful in every respect” (see GSN, Dec. 12, 2001; Nirmala George, Associated Press/Newsday, March 26).

The Prithvi can carry a nuclear warhead for a range of 93 miles, according to Indian Defense Ministry sources.  Today’s test involved the use of a mobile launcher, they said (Agence France-Presse, March 26).

India’s South Asian rival Pakistan tested an Abdali missile, which has a range of less than 132 miles, said Pakistani Foreign Ministry spokesman Aziz Ahmed Khan.  He did not say, however, where the test took place or if it was conducted before or after India’s test.

“Pakistan has also test-fired a missile today, but we informed India about it," Khan said, adding that India did not inform Pakistan as to its test (George, Associated Press).

India’s failure to notify Pakistan about its Prithvi test violated an agreement between the two countries, Khan said.

“We were not notified about the test in accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the two countries,” Khan said (Beijing People’s Daily, March 26).

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