India tested a short-range nuclear-capable missile along its eastern coast on Monday, an official said, as part of the nation's efforts to build up its atomic deterrent.

The trial of surface-to-surface Prithvi-II missile was carried out from a range in the state of Orissa and hit its target in the Bay of Bengal, test range director S.P. Dash said.

"The test was successful and met all the mission objectives," Dash told AFP.

The Prithvi, which is domestically built and developed, can carry nuclear or conventional payloads and has already been inducted into the armed services.

India's Defence Research Development Organisation is developing a series of missiles as part of the country's deterrent strategy against neighbouring Pakistan and China, which also have nuclear weapons.

With a striking range of 200 miles (350 kilometres), the missile is capable of carrying a 1,000-kilo (2,200-pound) warhead.

Prithvi is the first missile to be developed under India's ambitious Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme and has been tested several times over the years.

A medium-range nuclear-capable Shourya missile was tested on a ground target at the same site on Saturday.

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