BBC's Owen Bennet-Jones reports from Islamabad

An Indian foreign ministry statement said nuclear arms should be dealt with in the same way as the other two weapons of mass destruction ­ chemical and biological ­ for which successful conventions had already been agreed.

It said the talks should be held as soon as possible, with the aim of providing a global and non-discriminatory framework.

Pakistan carried out its sixth nuclear test on Saturday, bringing its total number of explosions to six - one more than India.

Nawaz Sharif: 'pushed into this situation'

The government in Pakistan has offered to hold talks with India to avoid what it calls a "nuclear conflagration".

The United Nations Security Council issued a statement deploring the latest underground explosion.

Pakistan has recalled conventional weapons it placed along its Indian border for fear of a pre-emptive attack by India before Pakistani nuclear trials, but remains adamant that it had no choice but to proceed with the nuclear tests.

Last year, India declined to sign the Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, saying it was heavily loaded in favour of the existing nuclear states.

Despite its first nuclear test in 1974 and the five recent tests, India has always claimed to be a pioneer in seeking nuclear disarmament.

It has also argued that the present treaties designed to curb nuclear proliferation are discriminatory, favouring the interests of the so-called nuclear club and enabling them to keep their weapons.

Though it earned international condemnation for its recent tests, the Indian Government has been arguing to its own people that it can now negotiate on nuclear issues from a position of greater strength.

UN considers punishment

Security Council President Mahungu: considering punitive measures

The UN, which fears an arms race in South Asia, is to consider a Japanese resolution calling for punitive measures against both India and Pakistan.

The Security Council, called into emergency session on Saturday, is annoyed that Pakistan so flagrantly ignored its call to refrain from further nuclear tests.

Council President Njuguna Moses Mahungu said: "Mindful of its responsibility for maintaining international peace and stability, the Security Council is actively considering a draft resolution on the matter with a view to quick adoption."

Pakistan unrepentant

Pakistan remains unapologetic about the tests. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif insisted "we were pushed into this situation because legitimate security concerns were not addressed effectively and properly by the international community".

In a separate broadcast on Pakistani television, Mr Sharif said the tests were an affirmation of Pakistan's independence.

"We have thrown away the attitude of dependence on others we have have for the last 50 years. Today we have decided to stand on our own feet," he said.

Ealier, Pakistan's Foreign Secretary, Shamshad Ahmed, said the test series was now complete and his government wanted dialogue with India, rather than a nuclear arms race.

He added that it was "imperative" that a solution be found to the dispute with India over Kashmir.