Tuesday, July 11 2006 13:22 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Washington: India's test-firing of nuclear-capable Agni-III missile today received mixed reaction with the US saying it was not surprised while Japan expressed regret and Australia cautioned against equating it with the 'provocative' tests by North Korea in view of New Delhi's 'good' nuclear track record.

The intermediate range ballistic missile developed some technical fault soon after its launch in Wheeler Island and fell into the sea off the coast of Orissa without hitting the intended target yesterday.

Pakistan merely said India had informed it about the test-firing as part of a bilateral agreement.

There was no comment from China but the official media had reported the launch of the missile.

The US said India's test-firing of the Agni III was not a surprise because New Delhi had notified it ahead of time.

"We were aware and understood that there would be a routine test and the Indian government did notify us in advance. The Pakistani government also was notified. So it did not come as a surprise," White House spokesman Tony Snow told reporters.

Japan expressed regret at the launch and called for its support in global efforts to deal with North Korea's missile launches.