The United States on Wednesday said it was disappointed by 'ballistic missile tests in the South Asian region', refferring to India's Agni test.

While noting that India issued a public notice about the tests, US officials in Washington nevertheless said such tests contribute to the charged atmosphere and make it harder to prevent a costly and destabilising nuclear and missile arms race in the region.

"We continue to urge both India and Pakistan to take steps to restrain their nuclear weapon and missile programmes," the officials said.

They called on both India and Pakistan to begin a dialogue and concentrate on confidence-building measures that could reduce the likelihood that such weapons would ever be used.

This, they said, should be part of a broader dialogue to reduce tensions.

In this context, the officials said, it would also be helpful if both countries restrain their recent rhetoric about potential conflict.  

This, they said, heightens tension in the region.

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