Indian leaders condemn terror strikes in Paris

India today condemned the multiple terror strikes in Paris that left over 120 dead, with President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi saying that the country stands firmly behind the people of France in this difficult hour. Expressing anguish over the strikes, President Mukherjee said, "India stands firmly by France, my heart goes out to its people." Soon after the attacks, Prime Minister Modi, who is in London, tweeted, "News from Paris is anguishing & dreadful. Prayers with families of the deceased. We are united with people of France in this tragic hour." A series of attacks targeting concert-goers, soccer fans and Parisians enjoying a Friday night out at popular nightspots killed at least 120 people. At least two explosions were heard near the Stade de France national stadium where a France-Germany friendly soccer match was being played, attended by President Francois Hollande. After the attacks, Hollande declared a state of emergency and announced that he was closing the country's borders. Anguished over the attacks, Home Minister Rajnath Singh said India stands firmly behind the people of France in this difficult hour. In a statement, Singh said he was deeply pained to hear the news of the Paris terror attack. "In this difficult hour, the people of India firmly stand with the people of France. Words can't adequately condemn such attacks where innocent people have been killed," he said. "All nations should join hands together to fight the menace of terrorism. There is an urgent need for all the countries to come together to face the challenge of terrorism." Asked whether the terror attack in Paris is the 26/11 moment for France, the Minister said, "I don't want to compare it with any other incident. Terror act is a terror act." Condemning the ghastly attacks, Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi said terror cannot defeat freedom and liberty. "Strongly condemn the terrorist attack in Paris. My thoughts & prayers are with the people of France in this hour of grief and anguish," he tweeted. "Terror cannot defeat freedom and liberty, it will only strengthen our resolve to fight against this senseless violence," he said. Describing the terror attack in Paris as an attack on humanity, BJP today said all peace-loving countries should join hands to destroy terror outfit ISIS. .