Two Indian nationals living in Bermuda are anxiously watching as clouds of war gather over their homeland, India, and its southeast Asian neighbour, Pakistan.

Both told The Royal Gazette they are holding out hope disaster can be averte, cooling tensions and the threat of an all-out nuclear confrontation.

India and Pakistan have been drawn to the brink of war over the region of Kashmir, which lies between the two countries and is claimed by both.

Nelcy Fernandes, a waiter from Bombay, India said he hoped that both sides would find a peaceful solution in order to avoid widescale catastrophe and death.

"I really think that they should not have a war," he said. "Not only in the interest of the economy, but for the people of both countries.

"Bombay (in India) is considered a primary target by Pakistan because so much goes on there. Many multinational companies operate in Bombay and if it was hit, there would be a drastic drop in the economy."

With over one million soldiers from both sides positioned on the border, Mr. Fernandes said India is a powerful force to contend with.

"Our country is ready to fight. India has far more artillery than Pakistan."

On the nuclear advantage, he said that India had 150 nuclear warheads in comparison to Pakistan's 50; cook Nawal Brakash of Indian capital of New Delhi, agreed.

"India is far better prepared for this war than Pakistan is," he said.

Asked what direct impact the war might have on him, Mr. Brakash said: "My wife and child are here."

He said his family in India were not very afraid: "We don't have much fear in our hearts. We are fighting for an honest cause."

Mr. Brakash said he doubted war could be averted.

"It might. I am blaming Pakistan for this. The president (Musharraf) is not taking any steps to stop the infiltration of India's borders.

"I believe that he's behind the infiltration of the terrorists because Pakistan is so weak. Kashmir is a very prominent part of India."

Both men emphasised that both countries should do all they could to maintain peace.

Mr. Fernandes said: "Nothing's going to be solved if there is a war.

"I think that the religious leaders need to take an active role in stopping it from happening."

Mr. Brakash agreed: "I don't want any war. It is not in the favour of humanity. So many innocent people would die. People who don't even care about politics."