In a meeting on Saturday, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chairman G. Madhavan Nair along with International space researchers and experts condemned the terror attack on Mumbai, describing it as "very unfortunate".

During the inaugural meet of ‘World Space Biz 2008’, an international conference and exhibition on space technology, being held here in partnership with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), “Nair said, “Though this event has been scheduled long before the terror incidents occurred in Mumbai, this is not a very happy occasion to meet. Such tragic things should not happen in any part of the world. Unfortunately, it's happening in India.”

They expressed deep sorrow on the loss of many precious and innocent lives and those who suffered in the torment.

Mr. Nair said that such happenings were a grim reminder of the severe threats posed by terrorism.

“This incident all the more reinforces our belief that we need to work together to eradicate this evil. We should resolve to fight jointly such evil forces,” Mr. Nair told about 300 participants, including about 50 delegates from space-faring nations such as the US, France, Germany, Russia, Japan and China

Nair also paid glowing homage to the bold police officers and commandos who lost their lives struggling for the country.

The three-day event at the Bangalore international exhibition convention complex on the suburbs of the city started on a sedate note, with the conspicuous absence of any minister or state government bureaucrat because of the seven-day mourning being observed as a mark of admiration to former prime minister V.P. Singh who died in New Delhi Thursday.

On request of anonymity, a leading industry delegate said, “It is being held in a sombre mood and at a time when a pall of gloom engulfed the nation in the aftermath of the terror war in Mumbai. May not be an opportune moment to hold such an important event, that too for the first time in India.”

Space researchers and experts from other countries also expressed grief to their heartbroken families in this hour of sadness.

A Russian space professional said, “As travel arrangements to participate in this space event were made in advance, we decided to go ahead with our trip to India though we learnt about the terror attacks en-route.”

“By attending this event and making it a success, we want to defeat the designs of such terror elements, which are out to disturb peace and cause death and destruction,” said a space scientist from the US.