NEW DELHI (AFP) - India lodged a diplomatic protest on Tuesday with Pakistan over an attack on an army post in the disputed Kashmir region in which five of its soldiers were killed, Defence Minister A. K. Antony said.

"We strongly condemn this unprovoked incident," Mr Antony told lawmakers in New Delhi.

"The government of India has lodged a strong protest with the government of Pakistan through diplomatic channels.

"The attack was carried out by 20 heavily-armed terrorists, along with persons in Pakistani army uniform," he added.

Pakistan's army has denied any involvement in the attack late on Monday which has dampened hopes of a resumption in peace talks between the two arch rivals and neighbours.

The picturesque Himalayan territory of Kashmir is divided between India and Pakistan by a UN-monitored de facto border known as the Line of Control (LOC), but is claimed in full by both countries.