BEIJING, Jan 7: Members of the Shanghai Six group of Central Asia states Monday urged nuclear rivals India and Pakistan to exercise restraint and seek to calm rising tensions through political dialogue.

“Concerning the intensification of the situation between India and Pakistan, the member nations express deep concern and hope that both sides can exercise restraint and not allow the situation to deteriorate,” a joint communique signed by China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan said.

“We hope that both sides can resume political dialogue and seek an appropriate resolution of the issue.”—AFP