Further tests of Agni III to continue: Antony

Bangalore, Apr 14 (UNI) Defence Minister A K Antony today said India will continue testing Intercontinental Ballistic Missile AGNI-III and complimented defence scientists for the recent achievement.

Despite the failure of the Agni flight nine months ago, India had a perfect launch of Agni III and it flew ''to the point'' he told newsmen here after a visit to defence aviation major Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).

''The tests will continue'', he said.

Asked about the time frame for induction of the missile by the Armed Forces he said, ''It is for the experts to decide.'' He lauded the scientists for the successful flight.

Replying to another question, he said there was no proposal from the government to withdraw troops from the Jammu and Kashmir and referred to various steps initiated by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to reduce tension in the region.

Stating that the government was firm in its decision to modernise the Armed Forces taking into account the developments in modernisation of the armed forces in countries surrounding India, Mr Antony said, ''India should possess a minimum deterrent.'' Though the country wanted to ensure peace with the neighbouring countries and build cordial relations, there was need to modernise the Armed Forces, he said.

While the country for the short-term requirements procure weapons from abroad, in the long term there was need to indigenously develop sophisticated weapons and equipment to reduce foreign dependence, he added.

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