Reactions to the 2008 Mumbai attacks

The November 2008 Mumbai attacks elicited a strong response from the international community.

Reactions

International organizations

• - UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon's spokesperson's statement: "The secretary general condemns the rash of shootings and blasts in Mumbai today, which killed and wounded a large number of people. Such violence is totally unacceptable. The secretary general reiterates his conviction that no cause or grievance can justify indiscriminate attacks against civilians. He calls for the perpetrators to be brought to justice swiftly. The secretary general sends his deepest sympathies to the families of the victims and the wounded and expresses his solidarity with the people and government of India."

• European Union and France - Nicolas Sarkozy, in his role of both President of France and chairman of the European Union, said: "I strongly condemn the indiscriminate violence that hit your country through this series of ugly and odious terrorist acts. In this sad moment, I wish to give my sincerest condolences to the families of the innocent victims of these reprehensible attacks and express my sympathy and my wish to the injured for rapid recovery."

• European Union - High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy Javier Solana said: "I condemn in the strongest possible terms the heinous terrorist attacks throughout the city of Mumbai. I convey my most sincere condolences to the families of the victims and my sympathy to the Indian authorities. To those who were injured, I wish a speedy recovery. These acts show once again the need for the international community to stand united against terrorism and fight it with determination."

• NATO - Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer said: "I condemn in the strongest possible terms the mindless and indiscriminate terrorist attacks in Mumbai. Attacking innocent people, tourists and patients in hospitals is despicable and cowardly. On behalf of the Alliance, I am relaying the sincerest words of solidarity and sympathy to the Indian authorities, to Indian people and especially families of the victims. NATO, as part of the international community, is determined to spare no effort to fight the scourge of terrorism which should have no place in the 21st century."

Countries

• Afghanistan - President Hamid Karzai said: "The government and people of Afghanistan stand by India in the aftermath of this horrific and inhuman act of terror. Nothing is more heinous and deplorable than taking the lives of innocent people in such a cowardly attack on public places. ... Terrorism is a threat to us all, affecting India, Afghanistan and the region. Responding to this threat requires nothing less than a joint strategy to defeat this menace."

• Australia - Prime Minister Kevin Rudd said that Australia "unreservedly condemned these atrocious attacks" and added: "We are deeply concerned by these developments, deeply concerned by the potential impact on Indian citizens and other citizens, and we will have further to say about this during the course of the day."

• Canada - Minister of Foreign Affairs Lawrence Cannon stated "Canada strongly condemns the savage terrorist attacks in Mumbai, which have left hundreds of innocent civilians injured or killed...these cowardly attacks are truly appalling." People in east-end Toronto's Little India neighbourhood expressed shock and disgust at the news.

• China - Qin Gang, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman, said at a press briefing that, the Chinese people offered their deepest condolences to those who died. Premier Wen Jiabao said the Chinese government "strongly condemned" the attacks and that China is "firmly opposed to terrorism of any form." The Xinhua news agency reported, "On behalf of the Chinese government and himself, Wen expressed deep grief for the victims of the attacks and conveyed sincere condolences to the relatives of the victims and those wounded in the violence."

• Colombia - On a press release, the Colombian government "regrets and condemns" the attacks. Since Colombia "has also suffered the effects of terrorism," joins India in its struggle against this "international scourge." It also states its support to the Indian government and its solidarity with the victims and their families.

• Cyprus - The Foreign Ministry of Cyprus expressed in a statement "the sympathy and the deepest and sincere condolences on behalf of the government and the Cypriot people to the government of India, the Indian people and the families of the victims." "At these difficult times for India," added the statement, "the Republic of Cyprus expresses its solidarity and support to the struggle of the government of India to eliminate international terrorism and notes the need for a more active engagement of the international community in the campaign against terrorism."

• Denmark - At a press conference in Belgrade, Serbia, Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen stated that "I condemn in the strongest possible terms the cowardly and despicable terrorist act, that has killed many people, injured several others and taken other people as hostage". He also said that the Danish government's thoughts goes to the victims and relatives, as well as those still being held as hostages.
  Foreign Minister Per Stig Møller also commented the attacks, saying that the attacks were aimed against Westerners, using a well-known strategy used in other terrorist attacks.

• Germany - Chancellor Angela Merkel wrote to India: "I was appalled to hear the shocking news about the terror attacks on your country. As well as the sad fate of the many dead I'm particularly moved by the terrible situation of those who've been taken hostage. The Federal Republic strongly condemns these criminal acts. I would like to express my deepest sympathy to you and the people of your country. In this difficult hour our thoughts are with the victims and their loved ones. I wish the injured from the bottom of my heart a quick recovery."

• India - In a televised address, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said India will “go after” individuals and organizations behind the terrorist attacks, which were “well-planned with external linkages.” In addition, he said: "The well-planned and very orchestrated attacks, probably with external linkages, were intended to create a sense of panic by choosing high-profile targets and indiscriminately killing innocent foreigners," Singh said in a televised address to the nation. Leader of opposition L K Advani has asked people of India to stay united during this time of emergency.

• Indonesia - "The government of Indonesia strongly condemns the terrorist attacks in Mumbai, India. The terrorist attacks are cruel and inhumane acts," the foreign ministry said in a statement. "The government of Indonesia conveys its deepest condolences to the government of India and the victims along with their families, and hopes that the perpetrators could be swiftly arrested and be brought to justice."

• Iran - "In a statement, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman expressed the deepest sympathy of the Iranian people and government toward the Indian nation and the families of the victims."

• Ireland - "Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Ireland, Micheál Martin, stated '"I wish to condemn in the strongest terms these appalling terrorist attacks in Mumbai and to convey my deepest sympathy to the Indian people', adding that 'Relations between India and Ireland have always been close and I wanted to assure him (Ambassador P.S Raghavan) of our sympathy and prayers. As we in Ireland know all too well terrorist atrocities such as these serve no purpose except to kill and injure innocent victims, Indian and foreign alike, and to sow panic and suspicion'"

• Italy - President Giorgio Napolitano was said to be following the events with concern for the Italian people involved. Minister of Foreign Affairs Franco Frattini condemned the attacks and defined them as "atrocius and unjustifiable".

• Israel - Foreign Minister and Acting Prime Minister Tzipi Livni said: "I condemn the terror attack that is still ongoing in Mumbai it is another painful testimony that terrorism is the main challenge that Israel and the International community are dealing with."

• Japan - Prime Minister Taro Aso said the attacks were utterly unforgivable, vicious and heinous.

• Kuwait - The government "strongly condemned" the attacks.

• Malaysia - The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement saying "The Government of Malaysia condemns in the strongest terms, the horrific terrorist attacks on a number of major public places at the heart of Mumbai. It is our hope that the perpetrators of these heinous and despicable crimes would be expeditiously brought to justice."

• Norway - Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg stated "The Norwegian government condemns in the strongest possible terms the terrorist attacks that has taken place in Mumbai, India, and our thoughts goes to all those affected and their relatives. We denounce this type of terrorist attacks. We have already sent a message from the Norwegian government, and I have as well sent a personal message to Prime Minister Singh with a personal message, in which we express our condolences and and sympathies with the Indian people. We express our support to the work the Indian government now does to help the injured, what has happened and apprehend those responsible for the terrorist attack".

• Pakistan - Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani condemned the attacks, saying "Our grieves [sic] are with the families and friends of those killed and injured. Pakistan and India will continue their joint struggles to counter the actions of terrorists." In addition, the foreign minister condemned the attacks, saying: "Terrorism is a menace threatening humanity and humanity should join hands in fighting this scourge. Pakistan condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. Pakistan itself has suffered because of terrorism and sacrificed much in fighting this threat. The foreign minister also expressed deep condolences with the bereaved families."

• Philippines - The Philippine government, through Deputy Spokesperson Anthony Golez, condemned the attacks in Mumbai. In a press statement, he said: “We condemn these terroristic attacks against mankind and we will be united with the entire Indian nation and the rest of the world in its quest to end terrorism the soonest possible time." No Filipino nationals had been attacked in Mumbai, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs.

• Russia - President Dmitry Medvedev said "We are concerned about the loss of life and consider that acts of terrorism of this type are harmful to the whole international order and are a challenge to humanity.", and also said: "The monstrous crimes of terrorists in Mumbai arouse our wrath, indignation and unconditional condemnation. The inhuman terrorist attacks on hospitals, hotels and other public places aimed at killing peaceful civilians, taking and murdering hostages are crimes directed against the very basis of civilized society. Those guilty of them should be severely punished. We support resolute actions of the Indian government to cut short terrorist actions. I would like to pass my deepest condolences to relatives and friends of those killed and wish the swiftest possible recovery to those injured."

• Singapore - In a press release, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Singapore said that "Singapore strongly condemns the attacks. We would like to convey our deepest condolences to the victims, their families, the Government of India and its people. The Mumbai attacks underscore the common terrorist threat that we continue to face today. Singapore stands firmly behind the Indian Government in its fight against terrorism."

• Sweden - Foreign Minister Carl Bildt condemned the attacks in a press release, saying that "There is every reason to strongly condemn the large-scale terrorist attacks in Mumbai in India. India is the world's most populous democracy with an impressive history of rich coexistence between different cultures and traditions. Its democratic stability is in interest of the whole world. We express our sympathies for all those affected, and give our strong support to the Government of India in its important fight against this terrorism."

• South Africa - "The South African government extends its condolences to the government and people of India following a spate of attacks on a number of hotels, hospital and a restaurant in Mumbai on Wednesday, 26 November, which left a number of people dead and wounded while others have been taken hostage."

• South Korea - "The South Korean government denounces terrorism as a crime against civilization and against mankind that can be never tolerated," said Foreign Ministry spokesman Moon Tae-young.

• Sri Lanka - President Mahinda Rajapaksa said: "My government and I hasten to condemn most vehemently the brutal acts of terrorism that killed more than 100 persons and injured many more in the attacks carried out in the Indian city of Mumbai last night. Our thoughts to go out to the families of those killed and injured and in these acts of terror; we express our deepest sympathies to the families of the deceased and wish a speedy recovery to those injured and the safe and early release of hostages. The attacks on leading hotels, hospitals and public transport in Mumbai, the business and financial capital of India, show that the terrorists are targeting an important sector of the Indian economy, with a view (to) destabilizing democracy in India."

• Timor-Leste - Nobel Peace Prize Laureate and President of East Timor Jose Ramos-Horta also strongly condemned the terrorist attack in Mumbai and called the world to fight terrorism together. “This cowardly attack on innocent civilians deliberately targeting American and British citizens, must be condemned by all, and must rally all countries to pursue the fight against terrorism even more relentlessly,” said Ramos-Horta in a statement. Ramos-Horta has also underlined the significance of the attack in light of the recent landslide victory of Obama in the US election and said that "terrorists are not interested in seeking dialogue and peaceful means to resolve whatever differences they might have with the West." “It is self evident that whoever is in the White House in the United States, terrorism will not stop,” he said.

• Turkey - "Turkey stands together with the Republic of India and the Indian nation against the trouble of terrorism which is the enemy of all mankind and it shares their sorrow and anger," the ministry's statement said. "Terrorism is a crime against humanity. An effective fight against terrorism is possible only by the help of international cooperation and solidarity," Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said. "The attacks in Mumbai once again showed that terror has no religion, nationality and country," President Abdullah Gul added, "Turkey, as a country that wishes to strengthen relations with India in the fight against terror, share the pain of the friendly Indian people."

• United Kingdom - British Prime Minister Gordon Brown condemned the attacks, saying that "today's attacks in Mumbai which have claimed many innocent victims, remind us, yet again, of the threat we face from violent extremists. I condemn these attacks unreservedly. Our thoughts are with the families and friends of those killed and injured. The UK and India will continue their joint efforts to counter the actions of terrorists." Foreign Secretary David Miliband also condemned the attacks, stating them as 'an attack on all of us, not just India.'

• United States - The U.S. State Department immediately condemned the attacks, stating that there so far have been no reports of American casualties. Spokesman Robert Wood said: "We strongly condemn the terrorist attacks that have taken place in Mumbai, India. Our sympathies go out to the families and friends of those killed and injured, and to the people of Mumbai. We are monitoring the situation very closely and stand ready to support the Indian authorities as they deal with this horrific series of attacks." White House spokesman Tony Fratto also condemned the attacks. President-elect Barack Obama released a statement saying that "his thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families, and the people of India" and that “These coordinated attacks on innocent civilians demonstrate the grave and urgent threat of terrorism. The United States must continue to strengthen our partnerships with India and nations around the world to root out and destroy terrorist networks... We stand with the people of India, whose democracy will prove far more resilient than the hateful ideology that led to these attacks.”

• Vatican City – On 27 November, Vatican spokesman Father Federico Lombardi said that the "frightening and dramatic" attacks regarded "the entire international community". Later on the same day, Pope Benedict XVI condemned the "brutal attacks" in Mumbai. He also asked the Archbishop of Bombay Oswald Gracias to "kindly to convey his heartfelt condolences to the families of those who have lost their lives in these brutal attacks, and to assure the public authorities, citizens and all those affected of his spiritual closeness. His Holiness urgently appeals for an end to all acts of terrorism, which gravely offend the human family and severely destabilize the peace and solidarity needed to build a civilization worthy of mankind's noble vocation to love God and neighbor. The Holy Father prays for the repose of the souls of the victims and implores God's gift of strength and comfort for those who are injured and in mourning."

• Vietnam – On 27 November, Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Lê Dũng said: "We are furious over an attack of terrorism causing great casualty occurred in Mumbai, India last night. We oppose and condemn all terrorist activities under any form or any engine. The offense leader in the terrorist attacks should soon be finding and must be punished properly." He stated: "We sincerely share of this great loss of India. We believe that these terrorist actions which are threatening the stability of the whole time, and is also a major challenge for humanity."

International airlines

• Many international airlines temporarily discontinued operations to Mumbai in the interest of passenger and crew safety. In addition, Delta Air Lines is safeguarding employees stuck in Mumbai, and cancelling all planned flights to Mumbai, except one plane to pick up the employees.