Washington: US President-elect Barack Obama has expressed sorrow for the victims of the attacks on Mumbai and said the militants who staged the assault would not defeat India's "great democracy" or the global coalition arrayed against them.

"Michelle and I send our deepest condolences to the loved ones of the American citizens who lost their lives in the outrageous terrorist attacks in Mumbai," Obama said in a statement yesterday, following reports that a Virginia man and his daughter had been killed as well as a rabbi from New York.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with them, and with all who have been touched by this terrible tragedy," Obama said.

"These terrorists who targeted innocent civilians will not defeat India's great democracy, nor shake the will of a global coalition to defeat them. The United States must stand with India and all nations and people who are committed to destroying terrorist networks, and defeating their hate-filled ideology."

In a phrase he has used repeatedly since his electoral victory on November 4, Obama said there was only "one president at a time," saying he was receiving regular updates from President George W Bush's administration.

"I will continue to closely monitor the situation on the ground in Mumbai, and am grateful for the cooperation of the Bush administration in keeping me and my staff updated.

"We fully support the Bush administration's efforts to protect American citizens and assist the government of India during this tragic time."

The State Department earlier said Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has called Obama twice to brief him on the series of attacks in Mumbai.

Rice was at the presidential retreat of Camp David providing updates to Bush.

Source : PTI