The Iranian foreign minister, Kamal Kharrazi, has called on India and Pakistan to begin talks to reduce tensions following the recent nuclear tests by both countries.

He was speaking in New Delhi after meeting the Indian prime minister, Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

Mr Kharazzi said Iran was very concerned about developments in the region.

But he repeated Teheran's praise for the Pakistani tests, saying the development of a nuclear bomb by a Muslim country could deter Israeli aggression.

Mr Kharrazi arrived in India from Islamabad where he met senior Pakistani officials.