NEW DELHI: United States President George W. Bush on Wednesday condemned the Mumbai train blasts. In a statement, he said the U.S. stood by the people and Government of India.

"Such acts only strengthen the resolve of the international community to stand united against terrorism and to declare unequivocally that there is no justification for the vicious murder of innocent people," he said.

Nearer home, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh condemned the serial blasts.

In a letter to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapakse said, "The Government and people of Sri Lanka unreservedly condemn these acts of terror. No cause justifies this kind of terrorism against innocent civilians."

In a separate communication to Dr. Singh, Bangladesh Prime Minister Khaleda Zia said she was "deeply shocked and horrified" to learn about the bomb attacks in Mumbai. "My Government and the people of Bangladesh strongly condemn this dastardly and cowardly act of terror and we hope that the perpetrators of the violent incident will be apprehended and brought to justice."

She said: "I would like to reiterate Bangladesh's opposition to terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and that we are committed to working with the international community to combat this global menace."

Australia has described the blasts "horrific." In a statement, its Foreign Minister Alexander Downer said: "This senseless slaughter of innocent civilians reinforces the continued importance of strong international resolve to confront the threat posed by terrorism wherever it threatens our communities."

In a statement, Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Aso condemned both the Mumbai blasts and the Srinagar grenade attacks. "We strongly condemn these bombings, which constitute inexcusable terrorist acts targeted at innocent people. Such acts cannot be justified by any reason and the perpetrators of the attacks should be brought to justice."

Mr. Aso said, "The Government of Japan will continue to strengthen its cooperation with the Government of India to tackle international terrorism."

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