PM denounces violence in Kabul that claimed 9 Indians

Prime minister Manmohan Singh today condemned the "senseless act of violence and barbarism" in Kabul, saying the Indians who were killed in the bomb attack were on a "mission of goodwill and friendship".

"I condemn in the strongest possible terms this senseless act of violence and barbarism which strikes at the core of everything a civilised society holds dear," Singh said in a statement.

He said he was deeply saddened and grieved at the loss of lives of Indian nationals in the attack which also claimed the lives of several innocent Afghan civilians.

"The Indians who have lost their lives were on a mission of goodwill and friendship, helping to construct a peaceful, democratic Afghanistan that our Afghan friends desire," Singh said.

Conveying his heartfelt condolences to the families and near and dear ones of those killed, the prime minister assured them that "we stand with them in this hour of grief and will render all possible support to them."

At least nine Indians were among 16 people killed as Taliban suicide bombers carried out a string of attacks in the heart of Kabul.