Narendra Modi calls Australian PM Tony Abbott on hostage crisis

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to his Australian counterpart Tony Abbott to condole the death of two innocent persons in Monday's hostage crisis and appreciated his leadership in resolving it as well as release of the hostages, including two Indians.

"Had a telephone conversation with PM @TonyAbbottMHR on the hostage crisis in Sydney," Modi tweeted. "Appreciated PM @TonyAbbottMHR's leadership that led to resolving of the crisis & release of the hostages, which included 2 Indians," he said in another tweet.

Two Indian nationals — Vishwakant Ankit Reddy and Pushpendu Ghosh — were among the hostages at the Sydney cafe siege but they were safe. Noting that two innocent people lost their lives in the hostage crisis, the Prime Minister said, "My deepest condolences to their families."

The 17-hour hostage crisis ended last night after the lone gunman was killed. Amid the crisis, Modi had last night said, "Our thoughts & prayers are with the people of Sydney & Australia. We stand shoulder to shoulder with them during these testing time."