India's nuclear ambitions... have a destabilising effect on the region

Pakistani spokesman

"India's nuclear ambitions, which are clear from its draft nuclear doctrine announced in 1999, have a destabilising effect on the region," the Pakistani spokesman said.

Pakistan has itself test-fired missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads and hitting deep inside India.

India carried out an earlier test of the Agni-II nearly two years ago and drew strong protests from the United States, Britain and Pakistan.

Wednesday's launch of an improved version of the missile took place at a range in Chandipur, in the eastern state of Orissa, at 1000 (0430 GMT).

Defence experts say the test focussed on the guidance systems and accuracy of the missile.

India's neighbours will be concerned

The missile, which had a payload of one tonne, was fired from a mobile launcher.

"Flight test results have indicated that mission objectives were met satisfactorily," the defence ministry said in a statement.

Defence Minister George Fernandes, Air Force Chief AY Tipnis and other senior defence officials were present at the test.

Deterrent

Analysts describe the Agni-II as an important part of the new generation of nuclear-capable weaponry which India has been developing since it declared itself a nuclear state in 1998.

A key motivation has been to provide an effective deterrent to possible Chinese and Pakistani aggression.

In the past, India has seen both as prime security threats, but recently there have been signs of an apparent decline in hostility.

Delhi and Islamabad appear to be making tentative steps towards a possible resumption of dialogue over Kashmir.

And senior Chinese leader, Li Peng, has been visiting India.

He emerged from talks with India's top leaders last week, emphasising the importance of mutual co-operation and saying neither country was a threat to the other.

But the BBC's Delhi correspondent, Jill McGivering, says news of the test is likely to fuel concerns in the international community about the stability of South Asia.