India expresses solidarity with Thailand in fight against terrorism

NEW DELHI: Strongly condemning the bomb blasts in Bangkok, India today expressed its solidarity with Thailand in the "fight" against terrorism and offered any possible assistance to help it deal with the situation.

In a letter, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj conveyed to her Thai counterpart Tanasak Patimapragorn India's heartfelt condolences at the "tragic" loss of innocent lives in the blast which took place outside a Hindu temple in Bangkok yesterday.

"India has consistently condemned terrorism in the strongest terms and we express our solidarity with the government and people of Thailand in their fight against terrorism. We are ready to assist the authorities in any way possible in dealing with this unfortunate situation," Swaraj said.

The twin blasts had occurred in a space of minutes around 7 pm (5:30 IST) outside Erawan Shrine dedicated to Lord Brahma in the downtown Chidlom district.

"I wish to convey, on behalf of the government and people of India, our sincere and heartfelt condolences at the tragic loss of innocent lives. Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Thailand, in particular with those affected by this inhuman act," Swaraj said.

11 foreigners were killed in the attack which included five Chinese, an Indonesian, four Malaysians and one Singaporean.