PM Vajpayee to the nation on AGNI II missile and India's security.
....At 2015 IST, the Prime Minister in an address to the nation said: ''I am happy to inform you that the advanced version of Agni, India's intermediate range ballistic missile (IRGM), was test-fired this morning. The test was successful on every count.
''On behalf of all of you, I congratulate and express our deep appreciation to the team of Indian scientists, technicians, jawans and other defence personnel for this historic achievement. With today's success, they have once again shown that they are second to none in the world.
''Agni is a tribute to their dedication and teamwork. It is also a vindication of our steadfast commitment to self-reliance. In a rapidly changing security environment, india cannot depend on others to defend her. We have to develop our own indigenous capabilities. Agni is a symbol of that resurgent India which is able to say: 'Yes, we will stand on our own feet.'
''As was the case with the nuclear tests at Pokharan in May last year, the test-firing of Agni missile is also a purely defensive step. It is not meant for aggression against any nation. Rather, agni is proof of our determination to strengthen our national security so comprehensively that we can defend ourselves. I have said earlier, and I reiterate, that India remains committed to minimum deterrence, to no-first-use of nuclear weapons, and never to use them against non-nuclear weapon states."
UNI
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