Washington (PTI):The international community on Thursdayexpressed outrage over the terror strikes in Mumbai, with world leaders, joined by US President-elect Barack Obama, rallying behind India and offering support to fight the scourge and "root out" the terrorist networks.

The U.S., U.K., Russia, Pakistan, France and Japan described terrorism as a "grave and urgent threat" and underlined the need for a collective action to "root out and destroy terrorist networks."

U.S. President George W Bush called up Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to offer condolences and "support and assistance" to India as it works to investigate "these despicable acts" and provide relief to the victims.

Condemning the deadly attacks, Bush said the US will continue to stand with the people of India.

Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice also telephoned External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee to offer America's help in the investigations and other aspects.

Obama, who will assume the charge of U.S. President in January, said the attacks in Mumbai demonstrated "the grave and urgent threat" of terrorism and emphasised that the U.S. "must continue to strengthen our partnerships with India and nations around the world to root out and destroy terrorist networks."

His spokesman said the President-elect spoke to Indian Ambassador in U.S., Ronen Sen, and Rice and is continuously monitoring the situation.

British Premier Gordon Brown, who sent a message of condolence to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to express outrage over the attacks, said his country "stands solidly" with India in dealing with the situation. ]

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev declared that the use of terrorism to resolve issues was "impermissible."

U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said: "such violence is totally unacceptable" and that no cause or grievance can justify indiscriminate attacks against civilians.

The European Union said it shared the sorrow of the Indian nation and was at its side at this tragic moment.

A statement issued by its current French Presidency said the E.U. was aware of the love of the Indian people to democracy, against which such terror attacks were directed.

Describing the Mumbai strikes as the "savage terrorist attacks", Canada said: "these cowardly" acts were "truly appalling."

Expressing shock and horror over the terror strikes, Pakistan offered "complete cooperation" to India to fight the menace unitedly.

Similar feelings were expressed by leaders of Japan, South Korea, Australia, South Africa, Sri Lanka and Arab League.

Mukherjee also received telephonic calls from his counterparts of Australia, Israel and Canada besides Arab League Secretary General Amr Moussa.

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