NEW DELHI/ISLAMABAD, 26 January — India successfully tested a new version of its nuclear-capable intermediate range missile yesterday, raising simmering tensions in South Asia. The test drew immediate criticism from archrival Pakistan, Britain and Germany. The United States said the timing of the test was inappropriate but it would not inflame relations with Pakistan any further.

"We hope the international community will take note of this Indian behavior, which is prejudicial to the pursuit of stability in our region, especially during the current situation," Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement. "Pakistan has the means to defend itself."

Military analysts said the missile, Agni I, with a range of just under 700 km (440 miles), had been developed specifically with Pakistan in mind, although the Indian government firmly denied any suggestion of provocation. A Defense Ministry statement said the mission’s objectives were "fully met" and Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee said it was just one of "several steps" aimed at boosting national security.

The missile was tested at around 8:50 a.m. (0320 GMT) from the Chandipur test range off the eastern coastal state of Orissa. "The test was taken in a non-provocative manner across international waters," Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Nirupama Rao said, adding Pakistan had been informed in advance, along with the five nuclear powers — Britain, China, France, Russia and the United States.

Prime Minister Vajpayee said: "This will be beneficial from India’s security point of view. The date of the test had been decided beforehand." Justifying the tests, he said: "For the nation’s security and protection, we are taking several steps and Agni is one among them."

In Washington, US Secretary of State Colin Powell said he would have preferred that India "had not performed that test at this time of high tension." But he added that he did not think the test would inflame relations with Pakistan any further.

In London, British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw regretted the decision to test the missile. "I believe that restraint in developing possible nuclear weapon delivery systems is in the long-term interest of India and the region," he said. German Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer also was critical of India’s decision, saying: "Against the background of the current tensions with Pakistan, this test could lead to avoidable misunderstandings."

Hundreds of thousands of Indian and Pakistani soldiers, missiles, fighter jets and tanks have faced each other across their border since last month in the biggest military standoff in decades. Indian Interior Minister Lal Krishna Advani indicated this was not going to end in the near future. At the moment, the decision is that the present situation will continue," Advani told reporters when asked if India would pull back troops from the border.

An Indian Army spokesman claimed eight Pakistani soldiers were killed and 10 army bunkers destroyed Friday when Indian forces retaliated to shelling by Pakistan in the disputed Kashmir state. Islamabad said four Pakistani villagers were wounded in the Indian firing.

Meanwhile, Advani said Interpol had issued an arrest order for a Dubai-based man accused of masterminding an attack at a US office in India and New Delhi is also working with the United Arab Emirates on the case. Advani said that the man, Farhan, could be extradited or deported.

"The director of the Central Bureau of Investigation, who represents us in the Interpol... has informed (me) that a red corner notice has been issued against Farhan...," he said, using the Indian term for an arrest warrant.

India says Farhan has claimed responsibility for Tuesday’s attack at the American Center in Calcutta that killed four police guards.