The five powers - represented by their foreign ministers - also urged both countries to stop making and deploying nuclear weapons.

The talks were the first joint effort by the major powers to co-ordinate their stance after India and Pakistan's tests in May

The joint communiqué stated that that the United States, Russia, China, Britain and France - the world's only officially recognised nuclear powers - would co-operate closely to prevent an arms race developing in south Asia.

"The ministers agreed that quick action is needed to arrest the further escalation of regional tensions stimulated by the recent nuclear tests," it said.

It also appealed to India and Pakistan to sign the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.

Division in the Security Council

The BBC diplomatic correspondent says the big five want to convince the world that the Treaty is still valid, and to dissuade other countries from joining an arms race that could wreck it.

But there has already been division between the permanent members of the Security Council as to their approach to India and Pakistan.

The five have already disagreed on imposing sanctions - a move the United States has made unilaterally.

The communiqué said the countries would encourage Delhi and Islamabad to engage in direct dialogue on issues at the root of tension between them , including Kashmir. However, Russia objected to referring to Kashmir, saying it could offend India.

Nuclear power status rejected

They have also rejected India's demand that its nuclear status should give it a permanent place on the United Nations Security Council.

The ministers said that despite the tests, India and Pakistan did not have the status of nuclear weapons states under the NPT provisions, which stipulate a special responsibility to prevent the spread of weapons of mass destruction.

India's foreign ministry has said it needs time to study the document and would respond later on Friday.