Address to the nation by Prime Minister Vajpayee on the launching of Agni-II

New Delhi
April 11, 1999

Dear countrymen,

I am happy to inform you that the advanced version of Agni, India's Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile (IRBM), was test-fired this morning. The test was successful on every count.

On behalf of all of you, I congratulate and express our deep appreciation to the team of Indian scientists, technicians, jawans and other defence personnel for this historic achievement. With today's success, they have once again shown that they are second to none in the world.

Agni is a tribute to their dedication and teamwork. It is also a vindication of our steadfast commitment to self-reliance. In a rapidly changing security environment, India cannot depend on others to defend her. We have to develop our own indigenous capabilities. Agni is a symbol of that resurgent India which is able to say: "Yes, we will stand on our own feet."

As was the case with the nuclear tests at Pokhran in May last year, the test firing of Agni missile is also a purely defensive step. It is not meant for aggression against any nation. Rather, Agni is proof of our determination to strengthen our national security so comprehensively that we can defend ourselves. I have said earlier, and I reiterate, that India remains committed to minimum deterrence, to no-first-use of nuclear weapons, and never to use them against non-nuclear weapon states.

In a statement I made on 15 December 1998, I had informed Parliament that an advanced version of Agni was under development. I had also announced that its flight testing would be conducted fully in accordance with established international practices. Today's test is part of this announced programme of integrated missile development.

In order to reinforce the climate of confidence in the world about India's defensive security programme, my Government had in advance informed the Government of Pakistan, along with major powers, on the 9th of this month of our decision to test-launch Agni II.

India wants peace in her neighbourhood and peace in the world. And we shall continue to strive for this noble goal. My recent bus journey to Pakistan is an earnest attempt to open a new chapter of peace and cooperation in the history of the Indian subcontinent.

Dear Countrymen, ever since you elected my Government in March last year. I have been working with one single aim, withone single purpose: to make India strong and self-confident in every sphere of development and defence. We have worked with sincerity and determination. Against all the odds created by global recession and sanctions imposed by some countries after Pokhran, we have put the Indian economy back on the growth path.

Our kisans have produced record output of foodgrains last year. For the first time since Independence, it has crossed the 200 million tonnes mark. We have given a major impetus to the implementation of programmes for rural development and poverty alleviation.

Industrial production is also picking up owing to the dedicated work of our mazdoors, managers and entrepreneurs. Bottlenecks in the rapid development of infrastructure are being removed, even as we have launched new and ambitious projects with high employment potential.

India is making impressive strides in new areas of science and technology. The recent launch of INSAT 2E satellite has taken India into a new orbit of world-class satellite communication. Our success stories in Information Technology have put the country on the path to becoming a Software Superpower.

India is on the move. And no one can hinder our progress if we remain unwavering and determined. The need of the hour is: Unity and Stability.

As we approach Baisakhi, and celebrate the 300th anniversary of the Khalsa, let us take into our hearts, the prayer of the great Guru Govind Singhji Maharaj.

Dehi Shiva har mohe ihe
Shubh karman ke kabhun na taron.
Na daron ari son jab jai laron,
Nischey kar apni geet karon.

O God, bless me
That nothing deters me from doing good deeds.
And when I'm obliged to fight,
I fight forsure to win.

Let us make this prayer our resolve.

Come let us together make the 21st Century, India's Century.

Jai Hind.