PM writes to Medvedev, condemns Moscow blasts

Indo-ASIAN NEWS SERVICE

NEW DELHI - Strongly condemning the Moscow bombings, India Monday underlined its solidarity with Russia in combating terrorism and hoped the terrorists would be brought to justice soon.

In a letter to Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said: \”It is with great anguish that I have learnt of the bomb blasts in Moscow, which have led to the loss of so many innocent lives.\”

Describing the blasts as \”a most tragic and horrific act of violence\”, Manmohan Singh said: \”At this difficult hour our thoughts are with you, the people of Russia and the families and friends of the victims of this terrible tragedy.

\”On behalf of the government and people of India, I convey our deepest condolences. I wish to assure you that India stands united with Russia in combating the forces of violence and terrorism,\” he said.

Scores of people were killed when two suspected female suicide bombers blew themselves up on Moscow Metro trains in the morning rush hour Monday. It was the worst terror attack in Moscow since 2004.

\”We stand by Russia in its hour of tragedy and condemn terrorism in all forms and countries,\” External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna told reporters here.

\”These were horrendous attacks. We sympathise with those who have died and suffered,\” he said.

\”India strongly condemns the bomb blasts and extends its heartfelt condolences to the families of those killed by these acts of targeted violence,\” the external affairs ministry said.

\”India expresses its solidarity with the government and the people of the Russian Federation and hopes that the perpetrators of these senseless attacks will be brought to justice,\” it said.

The Indian government stressed that \”only collective efforts by the international community can combat the scourge of terrorism that the world is facing