World reacts to French terror: 'It was barbaric and cowardly'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Pranab Mukherjee joined world leaders in strongly condemning the terror "attack" in the French resort of Nice where over 84 were killed when a truck ploughed through a crowd celebrating Bastille Day events.

"Appalled by the horrific attack in Nice. I strongly condemn such mindless acts of violence. My thoughts are with the families of deceased. I hope the injured recover soon. India shares the pain & stands firmly with our French sisters & brothers in this hour of immense sadness," (sic) PM Modi tweeted.

In a series of tweets, the President said: "I am shocked to hear about the terrorist attack on an innocent crowd of people gathered to celebrate the Bastille Day in Nice, France."

He said India will strengthen cooperation with France and other countries in the fight against terrorism.

"India stands shoulder to shoulder with the people and government of France as it responds to this attack. We will strengthen our cooperation with France and other countries in the fight against terrorism," Mukherjee said.

No Indian is reported to among those who were killed in the attack. 

"Our Ambassador in Paris is in touch with the Indian community in Nice. So far no report of any Indians affected," External Affairs Spokesperson Vikas Swarup tweeted on Friday.

The Indian embassy in French capital Paris has set up a helpline in Nice -- +33-8-20-26-06-06 -- and at Indian Embassy in Paris -- +33-1-40507070.

US President Barack Obama said: "On behalf of the American people, I condemn in the strongest terms what appears to be a horrific terrorist attack in Nice, France, which killed and wounded dozens of innocent civilians."

"We have offered any assistance that they may need to investigate this attack and bring those responsible to justice. We stand in solidarity and partnership with France, our oldest ally, as they respond to and recover from this attack," he said.

"Today's horrendous attack in Nice is an attack against innocent people on a day that celebrates Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity. The United States will continue to stand firmly with the French people during this time of tragedy. We will provide whatever support is needed," Secretary of State John Kerry said.

The United Nations Security Council termed the attacks as "barbaric and cowardly".

The council unanimously adopted a French-drafted statement that "condemned in the strongest terms" the attack and expressed condolences to the families of the victims. The council reaffirmed that terrorism constitutes one of the most serious threats to world peace and security.

"Any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable," said the statement from the 15 council members.

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said "we strongly condemn terrorism of all forms. We express our condolences to the victims and we will fight all kinds of terrorism."

British Prime Minister Theresa May, who became prime minister on Wednesday after 6 years as Britain's interior minister, was briefed on the "terrible incident".

A Downing Street spokesman said they "stand ready to help any British nationals and to support our French partners."

"We are in touch with the local authorities and seeking more information following an apparent attack on Bastille Day celebration in Nice," a Foreign Office spokesman said.

"If you are in the area, follow the instructions of the French authorities," he added, in a message to British citizens.

Boris Johnson, whose first engagement as Britain's new foreign secretary was at the French ambassador's Bastille Day party in London, said on Twitter: "Shocked and saddened by the appalling events in Nice, and the terrible loss of life."

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also pledged his support to France.

"Canadians are shocked by tonight's attack in Nice. Our sympathy is with the victims and our solidarity with the French people," Trudeau said on Twitter.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel condemned the attack in Nice and said Germany would stand by France’s side in the "fight against terrorism".

"All of us who have come together at the ASEM summit are united in our feeling of disbelief at the attack of mass murder in Nice," Merkel said on the sidelines of the major summit between Asian and European leaders in Mongolia.

"Germany stands in the fight against terrorism at France's side, united with many, many others. I am convinced that, despite all the difficulties, we shall win this fight."