By IANS,
New Delhi : India Wednesday renewed its offer of assistance to China, where over 15,000 people were reportedly killed Monday in Sichuan province after a massive earthquake.
A devastating quake measuring 7.8 on the richter scale hit the southwestern chinese province Monday, damaging houses, roads and infrastructure that folded up like a pack of cards.
External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee wrote to his counterpart Yang Jiechi expressing his deep shock and heartfelt condolences.
An external affairs ministry statement said he also indicated India’s readiness to provide any assistance that China may require.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Tuesday had first offered “any assistance” in his letter to Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao.
“The prime minister has expressed deep sorrow at the loss of lives and property caused by the earthquake in China that struck Sichuan province yesterday,” a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office had noted.
In his letter, Manmohan Singh said the people of India shared in the grief of their brethren in China and expressed confidence that the resilient people of China will overcome this grievous loss.
Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Qin Gang had told journalists in Beijing Tuesday that the competent authorities in charge of disaster relief works and civil affairs welcomed the aid from the international community. China expresses it thanks and welcomes the offer, he said.