Pakistan blasts India missile test
 |
India's supersonic Brahmos missile can reach targets in Pakistan
Story Tools
|
NEW DELHI, India (CNN) -- India successfully test-fired a supersonic cruise missile Wednesday, prompting strong condemnation from Pakistan as tensions between the two nations continue to escalate.
The Press Trust of India said an Indian warship fired the missile Wednesday afternoon.
It was the third time in recent months India has tested the Brahmos, which has a range of about 180 miles and can carry a conventional warhead.
"The missile followed the predicted trajectory and accurately hit the target," Defense Minister George Fernandes was quoted as saying.
Pakistani Information Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed said the test was just another example "of India's warmongering."
"India desires to dominate the region. It is a desire that will never be fulfilled," he said.
Sheikh Rashid said Pakistan is a "peaceful country" that is willing to meet with India "at any time, at any place" to discuss hot-button issues. But, he said, every time Pakistan extends such an invitation, India "is replying with a missile test."
"India is trying to increase tension in this region. This is another example of that," he said.
With tensions mounting between the two nuclear nations, there have been several tit-for-tat diplomatic expulsions in recent weeks, the latest coming over the weekend.
-- CNN Producer Syed Mohsin Naqvi contributed to this report.
