Paris: France on Saturday thanked India for its support after the deadly terror attacks in Paris that took at least 127 lives.
In a statement, French Ambassador to India François Richier said, “France is grateful to the Hon'ble President of India and the Hon'ble Prime Minister of India for their messages of solidarity and friendship.”
“The French Embassy is deeply grateful for the numerous messages of support received from Indian citizens of all walks of life and opinions,” the statement said.
The embassy said that no Indian national has been identified among the casualties as per the latest information available.
An information phone line for tourists and visitors in Paris has been established: (0)145558000 – Indian Embassy in Paris: (0)140507070, the embassy said.
Mr Richier said that the security measures of the French diplomatic and institutional premises are being beefed up for which he thanked thank the Indian Central and State authorities.
Earlier in the day President Pranab Mukherjee condemned the deadly terror attack saying, “Strongly condemn terrorist attacks in Paris. India stands firmly with France, my heart goes out to its people."
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is on a three-day visit to UK, said, "What happened in Paris yesterday is an attack on humanity and the world should accept that it is not an attack on Paris, not an attack on French citizens, not an attack on France but an attack on humanity."
"It is an attack on humanitarian principles that is why all the powers that believe in humanity have to come together to condemn such attacks. All pro-humanity forces should unite to defeat anti-humanity forces. They will have to fulfil their
responsibilities," he said.
Meanwhile, terrorist group Islamic State has claimed responsibility for attacks in Paris that killed over 120 people by releasing an online statement.
This came after the terror group released undated video threatening attacks on France if airstrikes on its fighters in Iraq and Syria did not stop.
French President Francois Hollande had earlier blamed the Islamic State group for orchestrating the deadliest attacks inflicted on France since World War II and vowed Saturday to strike back without mercy at what he called "an act of war."
Hollande said at least 127 people died Friday night in shootings at Paris cafes, suicide bombings near France's national stadium and a hostage-taking slaughter inside a concert hall.
