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India

Arms Race? After Pakistan, India Tests Its Own Nuclear Missile

THE ECONOMIC TIMES (India), AFP

Worldcrunch

BALASORE – India today test-fired its nuclear-capable strategic missile Agni-IV with a strike range of about 4000 kilometers (2,480 miles), reports The Economic Times.

Flash: India test-fires its long range strategic missile Agni-IV from a test range off Odisha coast.

— The Indian Express (@IndianExpress) September 19, 2012

The missile test comes two days after Pakistan tested its own nuclear-capable missile on Monday. Pakistan, has fought three wars with India since their 1947 independence.

"The Agni-IV was tested for its full range of 4,000 kilometers and it was a success," Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) spokesman Ravi Gupta told the AFP.

Gupta insisted India"s test was not "country-specific:" "We are a peaceful nation which has never attacked any country in thousands of years," the DRDO spokesman added.

The Agni-V left India knocking at the door of a select club of nations with (ICBMs), which have a minimum range of 5,500 kilometres.

Currently, only the five permanent members of the UN Security Council -- Britain, China, France, Russia and the United States -- possess a declared inter-continental ballistic missiles (ICBM) capability says the AFP.

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FOCUS: Russia-Ukraine War

With His Trip To Moscow, Xi Has Sent A Clear Message To The World

China has adopted a stance of pro-Putin neutrality since the start of Russia's invasion. But this is not an alliance of equals. China has the upper-hand and sees the opportunity to present itself as an alternative world leader.

Photo of ​Russia's President Vladimir Putin and China's President Xi Jinping in Moscow during the Chinese leader's state visit to Russia.

Russia's President Vladimir Putin and China's President Xi Jinping in Moscow during the Chinese leader's state visit to Russia.

Pierre Haski

-Analysis-

PARIS — While Russia is mired in Ukraine, and Vladimir Putin has become the target of an international arrest warrant, China appeared as a lifeline.

Stay up-to-date with the latest on the Russia-Ukraine war, with our exclusive international coverage.

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Xi Jinping’s presence in Moscow from Monday to Wednesday was a bit like the "quiet force" visiting a friend in trouble. They offer him "face," as the Chinese expression for showing respect goes, referring to him as "dear friend"...

But reality sets in very quickly: between the couple, Beijing has the upper hand — and Moscow has no choice.

Since the invasion of Ukraine, China has observed what one diplomat astutely calls a "pro-Putin neutrality", a subtle balance that suits Beijing more than Moscow. Putin could have hoped for more active support, especially in the delivery of arms, technological products, or ways to circumvent Western sanctions. But China is helping Russia sparingly, while making sure to not incur sanctions in turn.

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