Our resources are at your disposal: PM to Japan

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Friday offered India's readiness to help Japan hit by a devastating earthquake and tsunami, saying, "Our resources are at your disposal."

"India stands in full solidarity with the government and people of Japan at this hour," he said in a letter to his Japanese counterpart Naoto Kan. Singh said, "We are ready to help Japan in any way required and our resources are at your disposal."

He said he was shocked to learn about the devastating quake that has hit the coast of Japan causing huge damage to life and property. He expressed his heartfelt condolences to the people who have suffered or lost their near and dear ones in the disaster.

Noting that there were no reports of any casualties among the approximately 25,000-strong Indian community in Japan which is concentrated in the Kanto and Kansai regions, the ministry of external affairs said, "Our embassy in Tokyo and consulate in Osaka are in touch with community members and verifying the situation on the ground."

"India conveys its sympathies to the government and people of Japan who have been affected by the severe earthquake and tsunami that hit parts of the country on Friday afternoon. We are saddened by the loss of life and extensive damage to property and infrastructure," said a spokesperson.

"Our Embassy in Tokyo and Consulate in Osaka are in touch with community members and verifying the situation on the ground," he added.

The MEA said that it is monitoring the situation closely and would take all necessary steps required as per exigencies. A control room has been established in the Indian Embassy in Tokyo which can be contacted on phone numbers 00813 32622391 to 97.