New Delhi: Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Coal and Mines Pralhad Joshi on Friday described India's successful test firing of Agni- 5 intercontinental nuclear capable ballistic missile as a 'historical milestone'.

"Historical milestone! India successfully test fires Agni- 5 intercontinental nuclear capable ballistic missile from Abdul Kalam Island. The missile will add great value to the defense and strengthen national security to a greater extent as it can travel 5400+ plus kilometres," he tweeted.

India has successfully carried out night trials of the Agni V nuclear-capable ballistic missile which can hit targets beyond 5,400 km.

The trials were carried out amid escalated tensions with China over clashes along the de facto border in Arunachal Pradesh last week.

The test was carried out to validate new technologies and equipment on the missile.

The same has proved that the missile can now hit targets further away than before, Defence Ministry sources told the media.

The trial has also proved the capability to enhance the range of the missile if required.

The nuclear-capable ballistic missile was fired from Abdul Kalam Island, off the coast of Odisha. This is the ninth flight of the Agni V, a missile first tested in 2012.

Thursday's firing was a routine test, Defence Ministry sources said.

While the test was carried out days after the clashes, it had been planned earlier.

India had announced its intention to test a long-range missile and issued a NOTAM or Notice to Airmen well before the incident in Arunachal's Tawang.