Missile test puts China in range

India announced the successful test launch on Thursday of a nuclear-capable missile that would give it for the first time the ability to strike major Chinese cities, such as Beijing.

The Agni-V missile, which has a range of 5,000 kilometers, was hailed by India after the successful launch as a major boost to the nation's efforts to counter China's regional dominance and become a respected world power in its own right.

"The nation stands tall today," Indian Defense Minister A.K. Antony said.