India test today fired a shorter-range version of its nuclear-capable Agni missile from a launch site off the east coast.
The Agni 1 missile was tested to a range of about 500 miles across the Bay of Bengal.
The surface-to-surface missile is a key element of India's plan to build a credible minimum nuclear deterrent against nuclear-armed neighbours China and Pakistan.
The Agni, which means fire in Sanskrit, is one of a range of missiles India is expected to test over the next few days.
Although the longer version, intended to hit targets in China, is already operational, the shorter-range version tested for the second time today is seen as a deterrent against Pakistan.
The neighbours ended a 10-month military confrontation last year, but tensions remain over the disputed Himalayan region of Kashmir.
Defence experts said the missile tests were unlikely to reignite military tension between the rivals because the tests were seen as routine.