The test of the Prithvi-1 (earth) missile took place at the Chandipur-on-Sea test site in the eastern state of Orissa at 1:04 pm, the spokesman said.

The missile has a range of 250 kilometres (190 miles) and can carry conventional or low-yield nuclear warheads.

Nuclear-capable India and Pakistan, which have fought three wars, two over the disputed Himalayan territory of Kashmir, routinely carry out missile tests and normally notify each other in advance under an agreement.

The 8.5-metre (28-foot) surface-to-surface missile, first tested in February 1988, is under trials before its induction into the army's arsenal, other defence officials said. The missile was lasted tested on March 19.

The missile is designed for battlefield use against troops or armoured formations, defence officials said.

Two other variants of the Prithvi, with a strike range of between 250 and 350 kilometres would be handed over to the navy and air force once tests were completed.

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