World leaders condemn Mumbai attacks

"Whichever group has perpetrated this attack, they are cowards, absolute cowards, and murderers," Rudd said.

World leaders condemned overnight attacks by gunmen in India's commercial hub Mumbai in which at least 101 people were killed and 287 wounded.

U.S. PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH

"President Bush offers his condolences to the Indian people and the families of the innocent civilians killed and injured in the attacks in Mumbai," the White House said in a statement

U.S. PRESIDENT-ELECT BARACK OBAMA

"President-elect Obama strongly condemns today's terrorist attacks in Mumbai," said a statement by Brooke Anderson, Obama's spokeswoman on national security.

"These coordinated attacks on innocent civilians demonstrate the grave and urgent threat of terrorism."

"The United States must continue to strengthen our partnerships with India and nations around the world to root out and destroy terrorist networks."

"We stand with the people of India."

JAPANESE PRIME MINISTER TARO ASO

"This kind of terrorism is unforgivable, extremely despicable and vicious. I feel strong resentment and deeply condemn it. Japan is with the Indian people who are fighting against terrorism and we will cooperate with the Indian government."

PAKISTAN PRIME MINISTER YOUSAF RAZA GILANI

"Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani while strongly condemning the incidents of violence in Mumbai has expressed deep sorrow over the loss of precious lives," the Pakistani government said in a statement.

AFGHAN PRESIDENT HAMID KARZAI

"Terrorism is a tyrant enemy which threatens all of the humanity and has taken into challenge the region of South Asia."

SRI LANKAN PRESIDENT MAHINDA RAJAPAKSA

"The attacks on leading hotels, hospitals and public transport in Mumbai, the business and financial capital of India, show that the terrorists are targeting an important sector of the Indian economy, with a view to destabilizing democracy in India.

BRITISH PRIME MINISTER GORDON BROWN:

"These outrageous attacks in Mumbai will be met with a vigorous response. I have sent a message to Prime Minister Singh that the UK stands solidly with his government as they respond, and to offer all necessary help. Urgent action is underway to offer every possible protection to British citizens in the region," Brown said in a statement by his office.

AUSTRALIAN PRIME MINISTER KEVIN RUDD

"Whichever group has perpetrated this attack, they are cowards, absolute cowards, and murderers," Rudd said.

"This cowardly attack on India's stability, peace and democracy reminds us all that international terrorism is far from defeated, and that we must all maintain our vigilance.

"We stand ready to assist India in any way it needs right now."

RUSSIAN PRESIDENT DMITRY MEDVEDEV

"We are concerned about the loss of life and consider that acts of terrorism of this type are harmful to the whole international order and are a challenge to humanity," Medvedev said through a translator during a visit to Venezuela.

BRITISH FOREIGN SECRETARY DAVID MILIBAND

"Today's attacks in Mumbai which have claimed many innocent victims remind us, yet again, of the threat we face from violent extremists. I condemn these attacks unreservedly. Our thoughts are with the families and friends of those killed and injured. The UK and India will continue their joint efforts to counter the actions of terrorists," said a statement released on the Foreign Office website.

ACTING AUSTRALIAN FOREIGN MINISTER SIMON CREAN

"This is a cowardly act, it's indiscriminate, it's a terrorist act, it's insulting democracy, and it takes as victims and casualties innocent people," Crean told reporters.