PM writes to Obama condemning 'senseless' Boston bombings

Strongly condemning the "senseless and cowardly" terror bombings in Boston, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Tuesday wrote to US President Barack Obama offering India's help in probing the attack.

Three people were killed and over 140 injured as two powerful explosions rocked the Boston Marathon finish line Monday afternoon.

In his message to Obama, Manmohan Singh said he was "deeply shocked and saddened by the outrageous terrorist attack. This senseless and cowardly act of violence has struck a city that has long stood as the symbol of openness, learning, innovation and enterprise".

He said the people of India condemn the attack in the strongest terms and "stand in solidarity and sympathy with the bereaved families, the injured and the people of the United States". 

The prime minister said the terror attack "serves as a tragic reminder of the evil of terrorism that still threatens our nations and lurks in our cities".

"At the same time, it redoubles our resolve to remain unrelenting in our efforts to defeat terrorism and to defend and uphold the values that define our nations." 

"Mr. President, in keeping with the excellent cooperation between India and the United States to combat terrorism, we offer you our full support for the investigations into the attack," the prime minister said.

The dead included an eight-year-old boy.

Boston Children's Hospital reported that those treated there included a nine-year-old girl, a seven-year-old boy, a 12-year-old and a two-year-old.

An external affairs ministry statement said: "Although no reports have as yet been received of injuries caused to Indian nationals as a result of this despicable act, our embassy in Washington DC and our Consulate General in New York have been placed on alert," the statement said.

It said that concerned Indian citizens could call the Indian embassy's emergency number (001) 202 939 7000.