Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed India's strong condemnation of the recent terror attack in Moscow. In a statement on Saturday, he conveyed solidarity with the Russian government and its people during this difficult time. The attack occurred when assailants stormed a crowded concert hall in the Russian capital, spraying gunfire at the attendees. Reports indicate that over 60 people lost their lives, with more than 100 sustaining injuries. The venue was also set ablaze during the brazen assault.
"We strongly condemn the heinous terrorist attack in Moscow. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims," Modi stated in a post.
He reiterated India's support for Russia, saying, "India stands in solidarity with the government and the people of the Russian Federation in this hour of grief."
According to media reports, the Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the attack through a statement posted on its affiliated social media channels.
Late at night on Friday, a few camouflage-clade men entered the Crocus City Mall on the outskirts of capital Moscow and opened indiscriminate firing at the crowd. The men in fatigues hurled explosives, igniting a large fire at the Krasnogorsk-based hall capable of housing 6,000 people.
After the attack, the Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the firing.
IS fighters "attacked a large gathering... on the outskirts of the Russian capital Moscow", the group said in a statement on the Telegram messaging app.
The IS statement said the attackers had "retreated to their bases safely".
Russia's National Guard said it was on the scene and looking for the perpetrators.
The attack comes days after the US intelligence agency had warned its citizens against attending large public gatherings in Russia in the wake of possible terror attack.
Meanwhile, the emergency services reported that approximately 100 individuals were evacuated from the basement of a concert hall following a shooting and fire outbreak. Efforts are underway to assist others seeking refuge on the roof.
The Moscow governor has said that the fire has mostly been eliminated and rescuers were able to enter the auditorium.
"There are still some pockets of fire, but the fire has been mostly eliminated. Rescuers were able to enter the auditorium," Moscow governor Andrey Vorobyov said on Telegram.
World Condemns Deadly Attack at Moscow Concert