Tuesday, July 11 2006 13:16 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Melbourne: Describing India as a 'good international citizen' on nuclear matters, Australia today (July 11,2006) said its Agni-III missile test-firing should not be equated with the 'provocative' missile launches by North Korea recently.

It also asked India and Pakistan to exercise restraint in their ballistic missile programme and continue the process of building confidence between the two countries.

"India, while not a signatory to the nuclear non-proliferation treaty, has been a good international citizen on nuclear matters, unlike North Korea," the country's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) spokesman said.

India yesterday test-fired its most advanced intermediate range ballistic missile Agni-III but it developed a snag and failed to hit the target.

North Korea last Wednesday fired seven missiles, including a new long-range Taepodong-2, which quickly crashed into the Sea of Japan (East Sea).

Australia stressed that India's missile firing was very different from North Korea's decision last week to test seven missiles, earning it international condemnation.

"It's important not to equate this test with North Korea's recent missile tests," he was quoted by a media report as saying," he said.

"North Korea has been a leading supplier of missile-related exports to countries seeking to acquire ballistic missile capabilities. India, in contrast, has undertaken to implement missile export controls equivalent to the missile technology control regime (MCTR)," he said.