US Reaffirms Commitment to ‘Free and Open’ Indo-Pacific Amid India’s Agni-5 Missile Test

GG News Bureau
Washington, D.C., 13th March. Following India’s successful test of the Agni-5 missile with Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV) technology, the United States has reiterated its commitment to a ‘free and open’ Indo-Pacific region, expressing readiness to collaborate with India and other regional partners.

The US State Department emphasized the shared vision between New Delhi and Washington for an Indo-Pacific that is “free, open, secure, and prosperous,” highlighting ongoing cooperation with India and other countries in the region to achieve this objective.

In response to inquiries regarding the implications of the missile test on the stability of the Indo-Pacific, the State Department underscored the importance of collaborative efforts in upholding regional security and prosperity.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s announcement of the development of “Mission Divyastra” marked a significant milestone in India’s defense capabilities, introducing the indigenously developed Agni-5 missile equipped with MIRV technology. Developed over a decade by the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO), the Agni-5 MIRV missile enhances India’s strategic position and introduces a significant shift in the geopolitical landscape of Southeast Asia.

MIRVs, comprising multiple re-entry vehicles capable of carrying 2-10 nuclear warheads, offer enhanced flexibility in targeting various objectives, including dispersed or concentrated locations.

Prime Minister Modi lauded DRDO scientists for their achievement, highlighting the successful flight test of the Agni-5 missile with MIRV technology as a testament to India’s technological prowess and defense capabilities.

The introduction of MIRV technology in Agni-5 missiles signifies a notable advancement in India’s ballistic missile capabilities, enabling the simultaneous targeting of multiple distinct objectives spread over a large area, thereby enhancing deterrence and strategic flexibility.