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Statement by Minister of External Affairs on attacks on World Trade Center and Pentagon

September 11, 2001
New Delhi

News from the US, of the events of the last couple of hours are shocking beyond words.

As details are yet coming in I do not wish to speculate about casualty figures. The present is the moment for all mankind to condemn, in unequivocal terms, this dastardly crime, for the victims are all innocents, and this crime of 'terrorism' is against all humanity.

India offers to the United States its deepest sympathy. We stand with the United States, and the rest of the international community in our commitment to defeat terrorism.

I have personally been in touch with our Mission in Washington, Permanent Mission in New York and also Consulate General in New York. All the members of our Mission are safe and no injuries have been caused either to any person or to any of ours Mission's establishment. I have also been in touch with New York to establish any additional detail that I could about the strikes against the twin towers. As you know the World Trade Center is where most of the investment banks and such offices are. Unless I have more details about the casualties from the World Trade Center, I do not wish to speculate in this regard. The Prime Minister has convened a special meeting of the Cabinet Committee of Security which is to start in about half an hour's time at Race Course Road and I will be going to that and after the conclusion of that meeting,  I will meet the press again there.