Brasilia, April 15 (Inditop.com) Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Thursday expressed condolence over the loss of lives in China’s Qinghai province that was hit with a massive quake and offered India’s assistance for victims of the tragedy.

“I have learnt with deep sorrow of the devastation wrought in Qinghai province by a severe earthquake yesterday,” Manmohan Singh said in a message to Chinese President Hu Jintao.

“The people and government of India join the people of China in mourning the loss of so many lives, and the untold damage done to property and infrastructure,” said the prime minister.

Both Manmohan Singh and Hu are in Brazilia to participate in the BRIC summit of India, Brazil, China and Russia.

A massive 6.9-magnitude quake hit Qinghai Wednesday, killing 617 people and injuring hundreds of others.

“As your government rallies to the assistance of the injured and displaced, I want to assure you, Excellency, that the people of India share the grief of the people of China,” he said.

“We stand ready to render any assistance that you and your government may require of us,” he said.