WASHINGTON (AFP) — President George W. Bush called Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Thursday to convey his sympathy for the victims of the "despicable" attacks in Mumbai and offer US help, the White House said.
"President Bush spoke this morning by telephone with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to express condolences to the victims of the terror attacks in Mumbai, India, and solidarity with the people of India," White House spokeswoman Dana Perino said in a statement.
"The president offered support and assistance to the government of India as it works to restore order, provide safety to its people and comfort to the victims and their families, and investigate these despicable acts," she said.
The US administration said it was closely following events in Mumbai after Islamist militant attacks left more than 100 people dead, amid growing fears over foreign hostages.
The White House convened a meeting of top intelligence and counter-terrorism officials Wednesday as reports from India said 200 people were believed trapped in one hotel alone.
"This afternoon, the White House National Security Council convened officials from counterterrorism and intelligence agencies as well as the State and Defense Departments," the White House said in a statement on Wednesday.
"The US government continues to monitor the situation, including the safety and security of our citizens, and stands ready to assist and support the Indian government."
More than 100 people died in coordinated attacks at two of Mumbai's top luxury hotels and the main Chhatrapati Shivaji railway station late Wednesday, officials said.
An Australian, a Britain, an Italian, a German, and a Japanese businessman were among foreigners confirmed dead -- while Americans, Israelis, Canadians and a Jewish rabbi were said to be among those still held hostage.
Almost 300 people have been reported wounded in the attacks which have been claimed by a group calling itself the Deccan Mujahedeen.
US president-elect Barack Obama condemned the attacks and said the United States must work to strengthen ties with India and other nations to "root out and destroy terrorist networks."
"These coordinated attacks on innocent civilians demonstrate the grave and urgent threat of terrorism," Obama's chief national security spokesperson, Brooke Anderson, said in a statement.
"The United States must continue to strengthen our partnerships with India and nations around the world to root out and destroy terrorist networks."
Obama spoke by telephone with Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice for an update on the situation, an official in Obama's transition office said on condition of anonymity.
He then spoke to the US ambassador to India Ranendra Sen, "and conveyed that his thoughts and prayers" are with the victims, the official said.
The US State Department condemned the attacks as "horrific," and said it was monitoring the situation closely.
"Our sympathies go out to the families and friends of those killed and injured, and to the people of Mumbai," deputy spokesman Robert Wood said in a statement.
He said the department was not aware of any American casualties.
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice "has been briefed on the attacks in Mumbai and is monitoring the situation closely," another State Department official said, adding that the top US diplomat was in contact with officials at the US Embassy in New Delhi and the US consulate in Mumbai.
She "will be reaching to Indian government officials as well," said the official.
US officials had established a call center for Americans concerned about family or friends visiting or living in Mumbai.
New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg also condemned the bloody attacks, saying they were a reminder of "dark forces" in an increasingly inter-connected world.
"Today a horrific series of attacks in Mumbai, India reminded us that there remain dark forces in the world that think killing innocents is a way to advance an agenda," Bloomberg said in a statement on Wednesday.
He said New York and Mumbai shared much in common, including their diversity and importance to the business world.
Recalling that New York police were alerted earlier Wednesday to a reported Al-Qaeda plot against the transit system, Bloomberg said: "We live in a world that is knit closer together than ever."
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