President Pranab Mukherjee and PM Narendra Modi condemn terror attack in France

NEW DELHI: Indian leaders including President Pranab Mukherjee, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress Chief Sonia Gandhi, today strongly condemned the terror attack in France, saying the pre-meditated massacre of innocent people, including many children, was an unspeakable crime.

In a letter to French President Francois Hollande, Mukherjee conveyed condolences on the loss of lives in the heinous act of terror last evening in Nice and said Indian stands beside people of France with solidarity and sympathy.

Modi said the "mindless act of violence" was appalling and India shares the pain and stands firmly with France in this hour of "immense sadness".

"Appalled by the horrific attack in Nice. I strongly condemn such mindless acts of violence. My thoughts are with the families of deceased," the Prime Minister tweeted.

"I hope the injured recover soon. India shares the pain & stands firmly with our French sisters & brothers in this hour of immense sadness," he added.

Congress President Sonia Gandhi said that the terrorist attack on a crowd celebrating Bastille Day in Nice "reflects deep resentment to peace and democratic values".

The President, who is in Darjeeling on an official visit, said, "I am deeply pained to learn that France is once again afflicted by a major tragedy caused by a heinous act of terror last evening.

"The pre-meditated massacre of innocent people as they were participating in Bastille Day celebrations - including, sadly, many children, is an unspeakable crime."

The people of India stand beside the people of France with solidarity and sympathy. "We share your grief at the loss of lives and pray for the swift recovery of the injured," Mukherjee said.

"India stands shoulder to shoulder with the people and government of France as it responds to this attack.

"We will strengthen our cooperation with France and other countries in the fight against terrorism," Mukherjee said in a series of tweets.