The second is that anti-missile defenses are more contentious than ever as an international political issue - even with Russia, America's main nuclear rival, in eclipse.

The remarks signaled that India would keep up its pressure on Pakistan as the Bush administration engaged in intensive diplomacy to scale down tensions between the nuclear rivals.

"But at the same time, they refuse to stop producing new material," because India, Pakistan's nuclear rival, continues its own production.

The two South American neighbors, long seen as nuclear rivals, currently have a system of reciprocal courtesy visits.

And as always between these nuclear rivals, what backdoor dialogue may be under way is a mystery.

Argentina and Brazil are potential nuclear rivals.

The nuclear armed rivals have fought two wars over Kashmir, with the first leaving the territory divided between them.

South Asia is home to a confluence of challenges, including nuclear armed rivals India and Pakistan.

This disputed province remains the central source of competition and conflict between Pakistan and its nuclear rival, neighboring India.

But the missile-defense issue is causing an uproar overseas, including in Russia, America's main nuclear rival, whose nuclear stockpile is declining.