Sinha enquired about the process of government formation, the humanitarian situation as well as activities by the UN in the country, Indian foreign ministry spokesman Navtej Sarna told reporters.

The Indian foreign minister made the call and during the 15 to 20 minute conversation also offered his country's help and said that it had already committed to give 20 million dollars in aid.

The foreign ministry spokesman said that Sinha also "discussed the latest developments in South Asia."

But he did not say whether this covered an offer by Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee during a visit to Kashmir last week to hold talks with Pakistan provided it ended cross-border infiltration.

India accuses Pakistan of fomenting unrest in Kashmir, the cause of two of the three wars fought by them since their independence in 1947.

Pakistan denies the charge, but says it extends moral and diplomatic support to what it calls the right of Kashmiris to self determination. The insurgency has claimed more than 38,000 lives since its launch in 1989.

SPACE.WIRE