On March 11, 2024, India’s Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) successfully tested the Agni-V missile with Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV) technology. The test, conducted from Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Island in Odisha, positions India among a select group of nations—alongside the U.S., Russia, China, France, and the U.K.—that possess MIRV capabilities.
The MIRV-equipped Agni-V can carry multiple warheads, allowing each to strike separate targets across hundreds of miles. While the exact number of warheads remains undisclosed, estimates suggest it could carry between four to 12. The test marks a technological milestone for India but raises strategic implications in South Asia.
India’s Agni-V, an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) with a speculated range exceeding 4,970 miles, primarily targets deterrence against China. However, observers note the test’s regional significance, particularly its impact on Pakistan’s strategic thinking. Islamabad reacted by criticizing India’s handling of the missile notification agreement, claiming it was not honored in full compliance.
The MIRV capability, long viewed as an offensive technology, increases the risk of escalating regional arms competition. Experts warn the development could push Pakistan to expand its own nuclear options, heightening the nuclear arms race in South Asia. Additionally, concerns are growing over how MIRV-equipped missiles may undermine India’s doctrine of “credible minimum deterrence” and further destabilize fragile regional security dynamics.
While operationalizing MIRV technology requires further tests and advancements, its introduction into India’s arsenal underscores New Delhi’s evolving nuclear posture. Analysts caution that without reliable risk-reduction measures, the region faces a growing risk of conflict escalation.