Donald Rumsfeld, US Secretary of Defence conveys condolences to Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee.

Washington, DC
October 10, 2005

Mr. Donald Rumsfeld US Secretary of Defence on October 10, 2005 conveyed his own and the US Government’s condolences regarding the loss of life and property in the recent earthquake in Jammu and Kashmir to Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee. Mr. Mukherjee thanked him and conveyed his appreciation to the Government of USA for the words of condolence. 

Mr. Mukherjee also informed him that India had already offered assistance to Pakistan for providing relief to the earthquake affected people and that a plane load of relief supplies including blankets, tents and medicines will be reaching Pakistan by the afternoon of 11th October 2005. Mr. Rumsfeld expressed his appreciation for the support provided by India to Pakistan at this hour. He also enquired whether any assistance from USA will be required in India. Mr. Mukherjee thanked him and told him that everything is under control in India and we are carrying out relief operations mustering all resources within the country. Mr. Rumsfeld also said that if in case any assistance from the Government of United States is required, he would instruct Ambassador Mulford to be in touch with the Government of India.