India stands in 'full solidarity' with Japan

India, mauled by a tsunami in 2004, has pledged assistance to devastated Japan and said it stood in "full solidarity" with the people of the shattered country.

India, mauled by a tsunami in 2004, has pledged assistance to devastated Japan and said it stood in "full solidarity" with the people of the shattered country.

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Prime Minister Manmohan Singh told his Japanese counterpart Naoto Kan that India was shocked by the magnitude of the "tragic disaster" that has "caused so much damage to life and property."

"I would like to convey to you that India stands in full solidarity with the government and people of Japan at this hour," Singh said.

"We are ready to help Japan in any way required, and our resources are at your disposal," Singh told Kan.

"I extend my heartfelt condolences to you and through you to all those who have suffered or lost their near and dear ones in this tragic disaster," the Indian leader added.

More than 1,000 people were feared dead after an 8.9-magnitude earthquake hit Japan on Friday, unleashing a terrifying 10-metre (33-foot) tsunami that tore through coastal towns and cities, destroying all in its path.

More than 45 countries and groups including Australia, China, the European Union, Russia and the United States have offered help to devastated Japan.

India's Andaman and Nicobar archipelago was particularly hard-hit by waves that swept across some of its 572 islands.