Pakistan and India have again defended the nuclear tests they carried out in May, despite the international sanctions they triggered.

Pakistan's Foreign Minister Sartaj Aziz said 1998 was a milestone in Pakistan's foreign policy, and the tests had made its defences invincible.

Quoted on Radio Pakistan's review of the year Mr Aziz said they'd brought about fundamental strategic changes in the region and would have a far-reaching impact.

The Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee said on a visit to Port Blair in the Andaman Islands his country's tests had made sure India was fully protected against foreign aggression.