Monday, December 27 2004 15:59 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: India today (Dec 27, 2004) offered assistance to the five countries affected by the devastating earthquake and tidal waves.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who has written to the Heads of Government of these countries offering Indian assistance, spoke over telephone to Sri Lankan President Chandrika Kumaratunga and Maldives President Abdul Gayoom.

India is sending 20 tonnes of biscuits, milk powder, dry food and PVC tanks besides medical and surgical teams to Maldives, it was officially stated in New Delhi.

The External Affairs Ministry has asked the Heads of Indian missions in Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Thailand and Malaysia to check about the welfare of Indian nationals there and instructed them to offer all possible assistance to them.