President Condoles the Loss of Lives in Chinese Earthquake

The President, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil, has expressed her shock and grief over the loss of lives in Chinese earthquake on May 12, 2008.

In a condolence message addressed to H.E. Mr. Hu Jintao, President, People's Republic of China, Beijing, the President has said, "It was with a sense of great shock and dismay that I learnt of the devastation and destruction and the massive loss of lives, including of school children, caused by the earthquake which struck Sichuan Province on 12th May 2008. I join the people of India in offering heartfelt condolences and sympathies to the people of China at this tragic event. We are confident that the people of China will overcome this adversity with fortitude and courage. We are willing to make a contribution to your efforts to mitigate the sufferings of the friendly people of China".

This Press Release issued at 1330 hrs.