New Delhi:
The Parliament today hailed the successful launch of the nuclear capable, 5000 km range Agni-V missile, which propelled India into an elite group of nations possessing such advanced technology.
The Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha lauded defence scientists for their achievement, which incidentally took place on the anniversary of the launch of India's first satellite 'Aryabhatta' into space.
"The surface-to-surface missile, having a strike range of 5000 km, is hailed as a major leap forward in India's missile technology and military deterrent capabilities," the Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar said.
Rajya Sabha Chairman Hamid Ansari also congratulated scientists and engineers associated with the project.
"They have made us feel proud by their remarkable achievement," Mr Ansari said amid thumping of desks by members.
On April 12, India successfully test-fired the Agni-V from Wheeler Island off the Odisha coast. With this, India has joined the elite and exclusive Long-Range Ballistic Missile (LRBM) club of select countries.
"The credit for this historic achievement undoubtedly goes to our scientific community particularly those working with DRDO," Mr Ansari said.