Parliament hails launch of Agni-V

The Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha lauded defence scientists for their feat, 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," Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar said.

In the Rajya Sabha, Chairman Hamid Ansari congratulated scientists and engineers associated with the project "They have made us feel proud by their remarkable achievement," Ansari said amid thumping of desks by members.

On April 12, India successfully test-fired 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," Ansari said.

Both the Houses also extended their good wishes to elected representatives of Panchayat and Panchayati Raj Institutions on `National Panchayati Raj Divas`, which falls today.