The White House said yesterday it had been informed by India before its latest missile test, which, therefore, was "not a surprise."

 

White House spokesman Tony Snow told a press briefing that the US government was "aware and understood that there would be a routine test and the Indian government did notify us in advance."

 

"So it did not come as a surprise, " he said.

 

Snow also said Pakistan was alerted about the test in advance, too.

 

India test fired the Agni-III longest-range nuclear-capable ballistic missile for the first time Sunday, but it failed to hit the target.

 

(Xinhua News Agency July 11, 2006)