New Delhi: India has unexpectedly postponed the test of a long-range missile from the Agni series, which was scheduled to take place in the Bay of Bengal between October 15 and 17. The cancellation came at the last moment, despite India already declaring a 3,550 km stretch as a No-Fly Zone and issuing a NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) marking the region as a danger area.
Experts believe the missile could have been a nuclear-capable Agni variant, as the series covers ranges from 700 km to 5,000 km. Recently, DRDO successfully tested the 2,000 km-range Agni Prime, signaling major advancements in India’s strategic capabilities.
NOTAM Range Changed Repeatedly
Initially, the test range was set at 1,480 km, later increased to 2,520 km, and then expanded to 3,550 km within 24 hours. These rapid changes hinted that the missile being tested was of higher range or upgraded capability.
US and China Deploy Spy Ships
Following reports of the upcoming test, both the United States and China deployed surveillance vessels to the Indian Ocean to monitor India’s missile activity.
-
China’s Yuan Wang-5, a well-known tracking and intelligence ship, sailed from Malaysia and reached near the designated test zone.
-
America’s USNS Ocean Titan, equipped with advanced sonar and surveillance systems, positioned itself near India’s western coast.
These ships are used to collect telemetry, trajectory data, and performance details during missile tests.
Why the Global Attention?
The Agni missile series is often referred to as the “China Killer”, capable of striking deep into Chinese territory. For this reason, major powers closely monitor every development related to Agni.
The presence of US and Chinese spy vessels suggests a high strategic interest in India’s deterrence capabilities. Analysts say India’s move to delay the test may be linked to security, intelligence risks, or strategic signaling.
Strategic Significance
India’s decision—whether tactical or diplomatic—is seen as a crucial step in maintaining military balance and strategic stability in the Indo-Pacific region. With growing tensions and surveillance competition in the Indian Ocean, the postponed test underscores the intense geopolitical scrutiny surrounding India’s missile programme.
