By IANS,
New Delhi: Underlining the transnational nature of terrorism, the world has rallied in solidarity with India in the wake of the renewed serial bombings in Mumbai, with expressions of outrage and declarations of support coming in from global capitals.
The US was the first to react in outrage to multiple blasts that ripped across parts of Mumbai, killing 17 people and injuring over 130.
Describing India “a close friend and partner of the United States,” US President Barack Obama Wednesday said: “The American people will stand with the Indian people in times of trial, and we will offer support to India’s efforts to bring the perpetrators of these terrible crimes to justice.”
Saying that the US government was monitoring the situation, including the safety and security of its citizens, Obama said he saw “firsthand the strength and resilience of the Indian people” during his trip to Mumbai in November last year and expressed hope that India “will overcome these deplorable terrorist attacks.”
Terming the attacks “despicable,” US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who is visiting India next week for a strategic dialogue, said her trip won’t be affected by these blasts. “I will be traveling to India next week as planned. I believe it is more important than ever that we stand with India, deepen our partnership, and reaffirm our commitment to the shared struggle against terrorism,” she said.
Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani have condemned the terror attacks “and expressed distress on the loss of lives and injuries.”
No group has claimed responsibility for the blasts. India has made it clear at its talks with Pakistan July 26-27 will go on as scheduled.
Russia voiced outrage at the deadly blasts and said that the materminds behind the terror spree should get the most severe punishment.
In his letter to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Thursday, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said: “They cannot have any justification whatsoever, and the masterminds of the terror acts must be subjected to the most severe punishment.”
“The heinous act committed in India reaffirms the necessity of concerted efforts in the struggle against terrorism,” he stressed while conveying condolences to the victims of the attack.
Underlining solidarity with India in the fight against terror, French President Nicolas Sarkozy said in a statement: “More than ever, France stands resolutely side by side with India in the fight against the scourge of terrorism.”
In a separate statement, French Foreign Minister Alain Juppe said: “These barbarian attacks provoke horror and indignation. I most strongly condemn them.”
Offering support to India in the face of such atrocities, British Foreign Minister William Hague said: “We are committed to working with the Indian government and our allies and partners to combat the threat from terrorism in all its forms.”
Mourning the victims of the attacks, Japan’s foreign office said it “firmly condemns such act of terrorism as inexcusable.”
“Japan condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, and strongly reiterates that no act of terrorism can be justified,” it said.
Israel underlined its solidarity with India and stressed that “these events are once again a reminder to all forward-looking nations that the scourge of terror must be combated and overcome.”
“Israel stands side-by side with India in its relentless struggle against terror and is convinced that the resilience of the Indian people will prevail,” said a statement from Tel Aviv.
Offering support to India in the wake of the “cowardly attacks,” Canada’s Prime Minister Stephen Harper called for greater global cooperation in combating terror. “All countries need to work together and take necessary precautions to combat the scourge who perpetrate these atrocities,” he said.
Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard hoped that the people of Mumbai will meet “this latest challenge with courage and determination to stand against such senseless acts of violence.”