World leaders have reacted strongly to the suspected terrorist attack in Nice in France that killed nearly 80 people and injured dozens of others on Thursday.
So far no terror organisation has claimed responsibility. However, French President Francois Hollande said on Friday that the truck attack was of a "terrorist character".
"An attack on the terrorist nature can not be denied,” Hollande told at a press conference. "We must do everything so that we can fight against the scourge of terrorism," he said. "This is France, which is under the threat of Islamist terrorism."
The lone driver rammed a large truck into a crowd celebrating Bastille Day in Nice on Thursday night. The attacker was identified as a 31-year-old local resident born in Tunisia.
The driver drove the heavy truck more than a mile before he was gunned down by the police.
According to reports, the police found heavy weapons and grenades in the truck.
This is the second deadly attack in France in eight months. The world leaders have expressed their sympathies and support to France in the wake of the attack.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the attack in Nice, saying he stood by France in this hour of sadness.
"Appalled by the horrific attack in Nice. I strongly condemn such mindless acts of violence. My thoughts are with the families of deceased," Modi said in a tweet on Friday morning.
"India shares the pain and stands firmly with our French sisters and brothers in this hour of immense sadness," he added.
Meanwhile, President Pranab Mukherjee also strongly condemned the terrorist attack in France and said India stands shoulder to shoulder with the French government and its people in fighting terrorism.
"I am shocked to hear about the terrorist attack on an innocent crowd of people gathered to celebrate the Bastille Day in Nice, France," Mukherjee said.
He said India will strengthen cooperation with France and other countries in the fight against terrorism.
"We will strengthen our cooperation with France and other countries in the fight against terrorism," Mukherjee said in a series of tweets.
US President Barack Obama has also strongly condemned what he said appeared to be a "horrific terrorist attack" in the French resort of Nice.
"On behalf of the American people, I condemn in the strongest terms what appears to be a horrific terrorist attack in Nice, France, which killed and wounded dozens of innocent civilians," Obama said in a statement.
Obama said he had directed his team to be in touch with French officials.
"We have offered any assistance that they may need to investigate this attack and bring those responsible to justice. We stand in solidarity and partnership with France, our oldest ally, as they respond to and recover from this attack," he said.
"Today's horrendous attack in Nice is an attack against innocent people on a day that celebrates Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity," Secretary of State John Kerry said.
Earlier in the day, he was in Paris joining the French leaders in Bastille Day celebrations.
"The United States will continue to stand firmly with the French people during this time of tragedy. We will provide whatever support is needed," he said.
Britian's new Prime Minister Theresa May is kept in the loop about the latest developments in the Nice attack.
"Our thoughts are with all those affected by this terrible incident on what was a day of national celebration," the spokesperson said.
