New Delhi: World leaders condemned overnight terror attacks in the commercial hub of the country, Mumbai. There were blasts at landmark places and firing by gunmen in which at least 86 people were killed and 250 others wounded.
US President George W Bush: President Bush offers his condolences to the Indian people and the families of the innocent civilians killed and injured in the attacks in Mumbai,” the White House said in a statement.
US President-elect Barack Obama: President-elect Obama strongly condemns Wednesday’s terrorist attacks in Mumbai,” said a statement by Brooke Anderson, Obama’s spokeswoman on national security.
“These coordinated attacks on innocent civilians demonstrate the grave and urgent threat of terrorism. The United States must continue to strengthen our partnerships with India and nations around the world to root out and destroy terrorist networks.”
“We stand with the people of India.”
British Prime Minister Gordon Brown: “These outrageous attacks in Mumbai will be met with a vigorous response. I have sent a message to Prime Minister Singh (Manmohan Singh) that the UK stands solidly with his government as they respond, and to offer all necessary help. Urgent action is underway to offer every possible protection to British citizens in the region,” Brown said in a statement by his office.
Bristish foreign secretary David Miliband: “Today’s attacks in Mumbai which have claimed many innocent victims remind us, yet again, of the threat we face from violent extremists. I condemn these attacks unreservedly. Our thoughts are with the families and friends of those killed and injured. The UK and India will continue their joint efforts to counter the actions of terrorists,” said a statement released on the Foreign Office website.
Acting Australian Foreign Minister Simon Crean: “This is a cowardly act, it’s indiscriminate, it’s a terrorist act, it’s insulting democracy, and it takes as victims and casualties innocent people,” Crean told reporters.
Russian President Dmitry Medvedev: “We are concerned about the loss of life and consider that acts of terrorism of this type are harmful to the whole international order and are a challenge to humanity,” Medvedev said through a translator during a visit to Venezuela.
European Union: The European Union condemned the series of attacks in Mumbai. “The French Presidency of the European Union equally condemns the hostage-taking which is continuing in a hotel,” France, which holds the rotating presidency of the 27-member bloc, said in a statement.
Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari: He condemned the attacks in Mumbai and stressed the need for taking “strict measures to eradicate terrorism and extremism”.
Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani: He sought “concerted efforts” to make the region a peaceful place to live in.
Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi: “I am shocked and horrified at the Mumbai incidents,” he said.
United Nations chief Ban Ki-moon: He condemned the coordinated terror attacks in Mumbai, saying “such violence is totally unacceptable.”
Ban said that no cause or grievance can justify indiscriminate attacks against civilians and called for the perpetrators of the attacks to be brought to justice.