BEIJING: Leaders of many major countries and international organisations have strongly condemned the terror attacks in Mumbai, India, which killed at least 143 people and left many injured, China's Xinhua new agency reported.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon condemned the terrorist attacks, demanding that the perpetrators be brought to justice.

"Such violence is totally unacceptable," Ban said in a statement. "The secretary-general reiterates his conviction that no cause or grievance can justify indiscriminate attacks against civilians."

Ban offered his sympathies to the families of the victims and the wounded.

United States President George W. Bush called Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Thursday to express condolences for the victims, a spokesperson said.

"President Bush spoke this morning by telephone with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to express condolences to the victims of the terror attacks in Mumbai, India, and solidarity with the people of India," White House Press Secretary Dana Perino said in a statement.

US President-elect Barack Obama on Wednesday also condemned the terror attacks.

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev on Thursday sent a message of condolences to Indian leaders, the presidential press service said.

"The monstrous crimes of terrorists in Mumbai arouse our wrath, indignation and unconditional condemnation," Medvedev said in a message to his Indian counterpart Pratibha Patil and Manmohan.

"The inhuman terrorist attacks on hospitals, hotels and other public places aimed at killing civilians, taking and murdering hostages are crimes directed against the foundation of civilised society," Medvedev said.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao on Thursday sent a message of condolences to Manmohan, strongly condemning the attacks, saying the Chinese government was firmly opposed to terrorism of any form.

On behalf of the Chinese government and himself, Wen expressed deep grief for the victims of the attacks and conveyed sincere condolences to the relatives of the victims and those wounded in the violence.

The European Commission, the executive arm of the European Union (EU), strongly condemned the terrorist attacks in Mumbai and rendered its support for the Indian government in the fight against terrorism.

"The European Commission condemns in the strongest terms the heinous terrorist attacks in Mumbai which have cost the lives of many innocent people and injured others.

"Terrorism is never justified and is by no means to achieve any goal. We stand by the Indian government in its fight against terrorism," said the commission.

President of the European Parliament Hans-Gert Pottering also strongly condemned the terrorist attacks, stressing that fighting terrorism must remain a political priority for the international community.

British Prime Minister Gordon Brown told reporters he had already sent his sympathy and support to his Indian counterpart and added that Britain would do everything to help the Indian government.

"I think I speak for the whole world, in expressing shock and outrage at the tragic destruction of innocent lives. -- Bernama