India, the world’s largest democracy has been making giant strides forward in the field of Information Technology, Space Research, Food and Agricultural products, milk products and most importantly, in Nuclear Warfare.

On May 18, 1998, India had stunned the global community by conducting five nuclear tests at Pokhran. But, what’s the use of conducting nuclear tests when there is no suitable delivery system.

On January 17, 2001, India gave a strong reply to this question by successfully test-firing the intermediate ballistic missile, Agni II with a range of over 2000 kilometers. The earlier variant of this missile had a range of 1500 kilometers. But by test-firing Agni II, which has a range of over 2000 kilometers, India has not only covered most of Pakistan but also South China. It also has the capacity to carry a one-tonne warhead. Bharat Dynamics Limited would be manufacturing these missiles, about 10-12 missiles each year. Each of these would cost around 40 crore. The launch time of Agni II missile is just about 15 minutes which is a great improvement over its earliear variant wchi took about an hour to fire after the orders were given.

After successfully test-firing Agni II, defence experts have set their eyes on India’s first inter-continental ballistic missile(ICM) , Agni III , having a range of 3500 kilometers. Then in line, is Surya, having a range of over 5000 kilometers. But that’s a long way to go.

Now, let’s consider the difference opinions and reactions of the global community.

Australia, one of the peaceniks of the world, had led the campaign for punishing India after Pokhran II. But now, it has realised that by acting tough especially against a country like India, which is set to become an economic power in a few years, they were evidently standing on the wrong bank of the river. The other genuine peacenik, Japan has valid reasons to be unhappy with any of such development. No other country other than Japan knows diabolically the massive destructive power of nuclear warfare.

Now, looking at Pakistan’s response, it has alleged that the missile posed a direct threat to Pakistan’s security. But also, its Chief Executive General Pervez Mussharraf has been seen as speaking the language of peace. He said that India’s test-firing of this missile should not hamper the peace process on Kashmir. He also pointed out that the Agni II test-firing should be a matter of concern for China. Pakistan, in 1998, had conducted nuclear tests at Chagai in reply to India’s Pokhran II, by snatching food from the mouths of countless people. Considering the fact that Pakistan’s economy is now on the verge of collapse, it cannot give a matching response.

Now, even the Chinese leaders realise that talking tough with India will not pay rich dividends. And considering America’s response, USA has realised the importance of keeping India happy. At the recent Senate hearing, General Colin Powell, Secretary of State, spoke openly for the need to talk more wisely with India and gave three strong reasons for the must-show respect for India. Firstly, it is the largest democracy. It is a growing economy and it is a nuclear armed Country.