Pakistan has warned that a ballistic missile test by India would threaten regional stability.
The test of a short-range version of India’s nuclear-capable Agni I missile comes despite international appeals to India to reduce military tensions with Pakistan.
Indian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Ms Nirupama Rao told the Startelevision network the missile, tested at the Chandipur test range off the eastern coastal state of Orissa, had a range of less than 700 kilometres.
She said the test was taken in a non-provocative manner and that Pakistan had been informed in advance, along with the five nuclear powers - Britain, China, France, Russia and the United States.
"We are perfectly convinced about the legitimacy of this step," Ms Rao said. "We have no intention to engage in an arms race."
She the timing of the test on the eve of India's Republic Day was determined "solely by technical factors" and was not meant to send any political message.
But Pakistan called on the international community to take note of the test, which Pakistan considers prejudicial to the pursuit of stability in the region.
The Agni I missile has a maximum range of 1,500 kilometres, making it capable of reaching targets deep inside Pakistan and parts of China.
India's last Agni test was in January 2001 of the Agni II, which has a range of up to 2,500 kilometres. Pakistan had condemned that test as a "direct threat" to its national security.
AFP, REUTERS