New Delhi, March 15 (IANS): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday expressed his deep shock and sadness at the "loss of scores of innocent lives" in the heinous terrorist attack at Muslim places of worship in New Zealand's Christchurch.

In a letter to his New Zealand counterpart Jacinda Ardern, he expressed his deepest condolences to the families bereaved in this dastardly attack, offered heartfelt prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured and underscored India's solidarity with the friendly people of New Zealand at this difficult time.

Modi stressed India's strong condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, and of all those who support such acts of violence. Hatred and violence have no place in diverse and democratic societies, he said.

At least 49 people were killed when gunmen said to be whites opened indiscriminate fire at two mosques in Christchurch city on Friday in what Prime Minister Ardern said was a terror attack.

Nine Indian nationals/people of Indian origin were said to be missing after the attack, India's High Commissioner Sanjiv Kohli said.