India’s Agni V Missile Test Successful, Pakistan Spreads Fake News

Introduction

India has successfully conducted the Agni V missile test from Odisha, reaffirming its position as a leading missile power in Asia. While the trial was hailed as a resounding success, Pakistan-based accounts attempted to spread fake news of its “failure.” This test holds significance not just for India’s defense preparedness but also for the shifting balance of strategic power in the region.

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Key Points

• India successfully tested the Agni V ballistic missile from Abdul Kalam Island, Odisha.
• Pakistan spread fake news claiming the missile had failed.
• Agni V has a range of 5,000–5,400 km, officially classified now as an IRBM.
• Pakistan’s Shaheen-III missile test recently failed, intensifying propaganda efforts.
• Experts say the upcoming Agni VI missile may reach 8,000–10,000 km, giving India ICBM capability.

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India’s Agni V Missile Test: A Major Defense Achievement

On 20 August 2025, the Press Information Bureau (PIB) confirmed the successful launch of the Agni V ballistic missile from Abdul Kalam Island, off the coast of Odisha. This long-range, nuclear-capable missile strengthens India’s deterrence posture against potential adversaries.

Agni V is a three-stage, solid-fuel missile that can strike targets more than 5,000 km away. Developed under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), it is part of India’s Agni series of missiles designed to ensure second-strike capability.

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Pakistan’s Propaganda and Strategic Concerns

Shortly after the launch, Pakistani social media accounts began circulating claims that the test had “failed.” These unverified rumors were quickly dismissed as fake news, especially as India released official confirmation of the success.

Analysts suggest that this attempt to discredit India’s achievement comes in the wake of Pakistan’s Shaheen-III missile failure a few weeks earlier. The Shaheen-III was expected to match India’s missile capabilities with a range of around 2,750 km, but reports indicate the test ended in technical failure.

Pakistani think tanks, including the Strategic Vision Institute (SVI), have publicly warned their leadership that India’s growing missile arsenal “poses a serious threat to regional stability.” Their concern is heightened by Agni V’s ability to strike any part of Pakistan with ease.

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Why India Calls Agni V an IRBM Now

Traditionally, Agni V was described as an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM), given its reported range of over 5,400 km. However, the August 2025 PIB release labeled it an Intermediate-Range Ballistic Missile (IRBM).

This reclassification surprised many defense watchers. Experts believe India has two key reasons for this move:

1. Strategic Ambiguity – By underplaying the missile’s range, India avoids unnecessary alarm in global capitals like Washington and Moscow, which would fall within reach of a true ICBM.
2. Preparing Ground for Agni VI – India is reportedly developing Agni VI, expected to have a range of 8,000–10,000 km, thereby becoming India’s first officially recognized ICBM.

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The Bigger Picture: Agni VI and Beyond

The Agni V is not the end of India’s missile ambitions. As early as 2016, official documents confirmed work had begun on Agni VI. Defense analysts estimate that Agni VI will be capable of carrying multiple independently targetable re-entry vehicles (MIRVs), allowing it to strike multiple targets with a single launch.

Moreover, reports suggest India is working on Agni V variants, including a “bunker-buster” version capable of carrying a 7,500 kg warhead. Such a missile could destroy heavily fortified underground command centers, giving India a powerful edge against adversaries seeking to hide critical assets.

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Global Reactions

China has in the past used India’s missile advancements to caution the West, claiming India’s expanding range could one day target Europe and North America. Similarly, U.S. think tanks like the Arms Control Association have expressed concerns that India’s future ICBM capability might bring the United States within range.

For now, India maintains a “no first use” nuclear policy, framing its missile program as a defensive necessity. However, the successful Agni V missile test has undeniably signaled India’s steady progress towards achieving credible global strike capability.

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Conclusion

The Agni V missile test marks a significant step forward in India’s strategic defense program. Despite Pakistan’s propaganda attempts, the success strengthens India’s deterrence capability and signals that New Delhi is preparing for the next phase of missile development with Agni VI. As regional and global powers watch closely, India continues to balance defense needs with strategic messaging to ensure long-term security.

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FAQs on Agni V Missile Test