India's technological heritage dates back to the Indus Valley civilization. Carrying forward the spirit of innovation of our ancestors, scientists and technologists in post-independent India have worked to create new and powerful technologies that have assured peace and security for the nation powered economic development.

The mastery over space technologies has revolutionized the forecasting and management of natural disasters and greatly reinforced the nation's  defence  capabilities  apart from changing the face of our telecommunications services. Through design and fabrication of a wide range of tactical missiles, combat aircraft, armor and radar systems our scientists have provided support crucial to the country's security, to the armed forces.

In order to equip India with state-of-the-art Missile technology and to ensure self-reliance in the field, the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) has been entrusted with the task of development of various Missile systems under its Integrated Guided Missiles Development programme. The programme has the partnership of academic institutions, R&D laboratories, industries and other Govt. departments.

Tactical Surf ace to Surface Missile, PRITHVI with range of 150 Km. for the Army an d 250 Km. range  for the Air Force have been successfully developed  and  flight  tested. The AGNI-I re-entry Vehicle has also been successfully developed and flight tested. Development of a quick reaction Surface to Air Missile TRISHUL with a range of 9 Km. and Medium Range Multi Target Surface to Air Missile System, AKASH with a range of 25 Km. and the Third Generation Top Attack, Fire & Forget Anti Tank Missile (ATM), NAG, with a range of 4 Km. have been successfully developed and are in the final phase of evaluation before user trials and deployment by the defence service. These missile system s will have the state-of-the-art technologies and will give a cutting edge to our defence forces.

On 11th April 1999, the DRDO has successfully flight tested AGNI-II with a range of 2000 Km. using solid propellant Rocket motors in both stages and rail mobile launcher system from its new launch complex in the Orissa coast. With this launch, the country has reached the point of operationalisation of AGNI-II as a weapon system. The two stage missile reached the point of impact in 11 minutes as scheduled. The salient features of the test firing demonstrates the country's mobile launch capability, multi- staging, state-of-­the-art control and guidance, re-entry technology and sophisticated on-board pack ages including advanced communication inter-face. The test is a proof of our determination to strengthen defence capabilities and national security.

Through the issue of this stamp, commemorating, the successful flight testing of intermediate range ballistic missile - Agni-II, the Department of Posts highlights the successful efforts made by Defence Research & Development Organisation to enhance India's defence systems. The stamp and FDC designs capture the well known objective of the country's defence programmes, "peaceful  deterrence".

Source : Information Folder issued by Indian Posts & Telegraph Department, Government of India