New Delhi: Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee today (Dec 27, 2003) spoke to Iranian President Seyed Mohammad Khatami and conveyed condolences over the loss of lives in a devastating earthquake in the historic city of Bam and offered relief assistance, including medicine, tents and blankets.

He also offered to send a rapid response team to the quake-hit area to help in rescue and relief work, official sources said.

Khatami said he was grateful for the concern and offers of help from friends like India to cope with the tragedy.

Modalities for providing the assistance would be worked out by the embassies of the two countries.

President A P J Abdul Kalam also sent a message to his Iranian counterpart expressing grief over the calamity, which has claimed many lives and resulted in extensive damage to property.

External Affairs Minister Yashwant Sinha in a letter to Khatami expressed his grief over the loss of lives and offered all assistance in the relief and rescue operations.

New Delhi could help Iran by providing medicines, tents, blankets etc, Foreign Secretary Shashank told reporters here.

Kalam, in his message, said "as a friend, India is ready to extend assistance in relief efforts in whatever manner is required".

Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani told reporters that India is ready to assist Iran in meeting the massive devastation caused by the earthquake and help in rehabilitation and reconstruction.