An upgraded version of its Agni missile could deal with that threat.

ECONOMIST: Diplomacy and proliferation

India has said its 2, 000-2, 500km-range Agni missile is now ready for deployment, and it may be developing an intercontinental-range missile under cover of its Russian-assisted space programme.

ECONOMIST: Nothing deterred

And India's recent test of its Agni II missile, capable of carrying nuclear warheads, may provoke a copycat test by Pakistan.

ECONOMIST: Kashmir