Indian Defence Minister George Fernandes said that a proposed meeting between the leaders of India and Pakistan at an upcoming regional summit in Kazakhstan was not possible.

Two Kashmiri boys were killed in militant attacks in Indian-controlled Kashmir today, as India’s defence minister said he did not see an immediate resolution to a tense border standoff with rival Pakistan.

Hopes for peace were signalled alongside threats of war by both India and Pakistan, as the nuclear-armed neighbours exchanged deadly shelling in the disputed region of Kashmir, killing at least six people.

India holds Pakistan "directly responsible'' for a deadly attack by suspected Islamic militants on an army base in Kashmir, the defence minister said today.

An army convoy carrying ammunition has exploded in northwest India, killing two civilians.

Pakistan’s president yesterday denounced terrorism after meeting British Prime Minister Tony Blair, but India today appeared to want more details before discussing an end to the crisis between the nuclear-armed neighbours.

Elite Indian strike forces have moved closer to Pakistan’s border amid escalating tensions, following a suicide attack on India’s Parliament, the defence minister said.

Police and paramilitary forces in New Delhi have fired shots at the gates to the Indian Parliament after an explosion.

Britain favours a broad based, multi ethnic Afghan government and would be willing to commit troops to help such a regime take root, British Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon said in New Delhi today.

Donald Rumsfeld says the military operation in Afghanistan is becoming more effective every day and would not take years to complete.

Guerrilla attacks in Kashmir killed four people and injured 18 others on today, as India accused rival and neighbour Pakistan of funding and arming Islamic militants in the disputed region.