The relationship between the two nations was strenuous.
Step-by-step explanation:
The relationship between the two nations had been strenuous and in the middle of a major security dilemma.
The security dilemma was because of the fact that both nations had nuclear warheads and wanted to make sure that their own powers and capabilities could exceed the one of the others.
This was a flawed nature of relationship and has caused many conflicts in the nations.