The Agni-I missile test, the first of its kind in India, took place at the Integrated Test Range on the coast of the Indian state of Orissa, the Press Trust of India reported. The launch was labeled as a "major milestone" by research officials, the news agency said.

"It is a major milestone in the preparedness of the army units in the strategic deployment of Agni-I system," missile system director Avinash Chander said.

Defense Ministry officials called it a textbook performance by the solid fuel-powered missile.

Indian Defense Minister A.K. Antony, along with Indian defense official M.M. Pallam Raju said the successful test was an "outstanding achievement," which "added yet another milestone in the preparedness of the country in the area of strategic defense," the Press Trust reported.