United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan has urged India and Pakistan to sign a nuclear test ban treaty.

He also has offered to help them resume stalled peace talks over Kashmir.

Mr. Annan arrived in New Delhi Thursday, saying Pakistan's military ruler Pervez Musharraf has assured him that he is ready to talk to India at any time.

The U.N. chief said his good offices will remain available if the two parties want to engage under U.N. auspices. He also urged the two nuclear-powered neighbors to sign the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty.

He is scheduled to meet with the president and prime minister on Friday.

India opposes any intervention to resolve its disputes with Pakistan, and refuses to talk to Pakistan unless it restrains Kashmiri militants groups based on its soil.