"We continue to urge Pakistan and other countries in the region to exercise restraint in their nuclear weapons and missile programs, as part of an ongoing effort to relieve tensions and build confidence in the region," State Department spokesman Richard Boucher said.

"We understand that Pakistan notified neighboring countries before the test."

The test, falling on the eve of India's first cricket tour to Pakistan since 1989 and in the midst of a peace process with its nuclear neighbor, proved Pakistan's intention to maintain a nuclear deterrent, the military said.

The test was the first of the locally-built Shaheen II or Hatf-VI missile, which can carry warheads up to 2,000 kilometers (1,240 miles).

Pakistan and India are currently mending ties after coming to the brink of conflict two years ago.

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