EU offers help to India

The European Union has offered assistance to India in providing relief to earthquake victims in Jammu and Kashmir.

European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso in a message to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said he was "profoundly shocked" to hear of Saturday's terrible earthquake that hit parts of India, notably Jammu and Kashmir, as well as Pakistan and Afghanistan.

• Tremors across borders

"The European Commission stands ready to help and has offered assistance to all concerned countries. Let me also stress my personal appreciation of the support you immediately extended to your neighbouring country," the message said.

EU Commissioner for External Relations Benita Ferrero-Waldner, in a message to India's External Affairs Minister Natwar Singh, said, "In this moment of sorrow, let me assure you of all the sympathy and support of the European Commission."

"The European Commission stands ready to help and has offered assistance to all concerned countries," she said.

The European Commission said Sunday it is sending an initial 3.6 million euro in emergency aid for the victims of the devastating quake in Pakistan.