The Prime Minister has expressed deep sorrow at the loss of lives and property caused by the earthquake in China that struck Sichuan province yesterday.

In a letter to his Chinese counterpart Mr. Wen Jiabao, Dr. Manmohan Singh aid the people of India share in the grief of their brethren in China and expressed the confidence that the resilient people of China will overcome this grievous loss. The Prime Minister said India stands ready to offer any assistance that may be needed at this difficult time.