PM Modi speaks to Sheikh Hasina, condemns 'despicable' attack in Dhaka

He tweeted: "My thoughts are with the bereaved families. I pray that those who are injured recover quickly"

Condemning the deadly terror attack in Dhaka which killed 20 people including one Indian, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday spoke to Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and expressed his condolences.

He tweeted:

Asserting that India stands firmly with its sisters and brothers of Bangladesh in this hour of grief, he added that his thoughts are with the bereaved families.

Earlier today, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj confirmed that an Indian national had been killed in the deadly attack in Dhaka and expressed her condolences to the family of the victim.

"I am extremely pained to share that the terrorists have killed Tarushi, an Indian girl who was taken hostage in the terror attack in Dhaka. I have spoken to her father Shri Sanjeev Jain and conveyed our deepest condolences. The country is with them in this hour of grief," Swaraj said in a series of tweets.

20 people were killed by the gunmen who attacked the upscale cafe Holey Artisan and taking the diners in hostage in the diplomatic area of Dhaka last evening.

The 12-hour-long hostage crisis at the cafe popular with foreigners ended after a two hour long assault by armed forces' commandos killing six gunmen.

One assailant has been held by the security forces.

Most of the victims were killed brutally with sharp weapons.

Thirteen hostages were rescued in the operation which included two Sri Lankans and a Japanese.

Though it was reported that the Islamic State claimed responsibility on the attack, the US State Department has said it cannot yet be confirmed.

The Islamic State has claimed a number of past attacks in Bangladesh through its media affiliates, but the government has consistently denied presence of the militant in the country.