New Delhi: India has successfully conducted the first-ever test launch of its next-generation medium-range ballistic missile 'Agni Prime' from a train, placing the country among a select group of nations with such capability.

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) carried out the test on Wednesday night at an undisclosed location, officials said. The missile, with a strike range of 2,000 km, hit the designated target with precision.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO scientists, calling the achievement a “milestone in strengthening national security.”

“This missile can be transported anywhere across the country and launched at short notice. With this success, India has joined the ranks of nations capable of launching ballistic missiles from trains,” Singh said in a statement.

Only a handful of countries, including the US, Russia and China, possess such capability. The train-based system offers strategic mobility and survivability by allowing missiles to be moved discreetly and launched from hidden locations, defence experts said.

The Agni Prime is part of DRDO's efforts to modernise India's missile arsenal, combining advanced accuracy, mobility and quick deployment features.