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India could convert its Polar Space Launch Vehicle into an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile within a year or two of a decision to do so, says a National Intelligence Estimate, representing a consensus of all US intelligence agencies, including the CIA, projecting trends through 2015.
Most components needed for an ICBM are available from India's indigenous space program, it says, adding New Delhi believes that a nuclear-capable missile delivery option is necessary to deter its rogue neighbors first use of nuclear weapons and thereby preserve the option to wage limited conventional war.
"Nuclear weapons also serve as a hedge against a confrontation with China," the NIE says.
The NIE expects Agni to be the mainstay of India's nuclear-armed missile force.
India continues to push towards self-sufficiency, specially regarding its missile program. "Nevertheless, New Delhi still relies on foreign assistance," it says.
Most components needed for an ICBM are available from India's indigenous space program, it says, adding New Delhi believes that a nuclear-capable missile delivery option is necessary to deter its rogue neighbors first use of nuclear weapons and thereby preserve the option to wage limited conventional war.
"Nuclear weapons also serve as a hedge against a confrontation with China," the NIE says.
The NIE expects Agni to be the mainstay of India's nuclear-armed missile force.
India continues to push towards self-sufficiency, specially regarding its missile program. "Nevertheless, New Delhi still relies on foreign assistance," it says.