The two nuclear-armed rivals nearly went to war last spring over the long-running dispute.

Seeing the possibility of a new beginning in the stalemate's end, American officials have begun talking hopefully of renewed dialogue between the nuclear-armed rivals.

The nuclear-armed rivals have already fought two wars over the disputed territory.

This spring, the two nuclear-armed rivals nearly went to war over the disputed region for a third time.

Terrorism remains a major stumbling block between the nuclear-armed rivals, which have fought three wars and stood at the cusp of a fourth in 2002.

India has repeatedly demanded that Pakistan halt the practice, which brought the two nuclear-armed rivals to the brink of war this spring.

This valley is disputed territory, and the two nuclear-armed rivals are poised for what could be their fourth war in 53 years.

He said that tensions between the nuclear-armed rivals had leveled off but that unanticipated incidents could still lead to broader conflict.

The test was dismissed by India, Pakistan's nuclear-armed rival, as meaningless.

The general said it was natural for countries to want nuclear weapons to counter nuclear-armed rivals.