WASHINGTON, May 24: The United States has expressed its disappointment at Pakistan’s decision to test its missiles.

Notice of Pakistan’s intention to test was received by the US last week, and State Department deputy spokesman Philip Reeker said at his afternoon briefing on Friday that “we’re disappointed” at the decision.

He said in the current state of tension in the region, it was important for both Pakistan and India to step down the ladder of escalation and take measures to avoid a costly and destabilizing arms race. Any operational deployment of missiles in the present charged atmosphere should be avoided, and the two countries should get back to talks.

Secretary of State Colin Powell, on a visit abroad with President Bush, had talked to Indian Foreign Minister Jaswant Singh on Friday, but Mr Reeker said he was not in a position to detail specifics of the conversation or to say whether Pakistan’s proposed missile test was discussed.