Why exactly does India feel it needs a ballistic missile with a range greater than 5500km? What threat to counter?
No immediate threats beyond China. But when engaging with all major military powers of the world
in both economic and military-related aspects in a big way, it's only advisable to have deterrence
against all of them.
The major players out there are US, Russia, France, UK and China.
Beijing is already covered by Agni-4. Moscow is covered by Agni-5, yet Russia did not give out
any erratic response towards the test of A-5, which means they trust us as a responsible
missile power.
I don't see why France wouldn't give a similar, controlled response, since it's quite obvious we
are not looking to start hostility with anyone.
UK may not be too happy with India having a missile that can reach London, but I don't think post-2020,
UK would be much of a power to worry about.
Only thing is US, who's reaction to such a development could be unpredictable. But if their reaction to
testing of Agni-5, which can hit several important US military installations, is anything to go by, we
can always work a way around any differences.