US offers help in Jaipur blast investigations

A day after the explosions that killed at least 63 people, US Ambassador to India David Mulford met Foreign Secretary Shiv Shankar Menon to convey his country's condolence.

"We have offered our assistance in analysing and understanding the aftermath (of blast)... We requested the Indian government saying that we are willing to help them in any way we can," Mulford tol media after his 30-minute meeting with Menon.

The envoy said the US would "certainly follow the aftermath ourselves (too)". Menon said the US Ambassador offered help and that he told him that New Delhi will get back if the help is needed.

Mulford noted that Americans have a special liking for India, especially Jaipur which they visit besides Agra.

"This is a particularly tragic moment," he said, adding that the US has condemned those who carried out ruthless attacks on innocent civilians. While condemning the blasts, Mulford has described it as a "vicious act of terrorism".

Besides "largely" focussing their discussions on Jaipur blasts, Menon and Mulford discussed the situation in cyclone-hit Myanmar where the issue of US aid has become contentious because of Yangon's refusal to accept it initially. Lately, Myanmar has changed its stance and started receiving the US aid. Menon said he had told Mulford about what India was doing in Myanmar.