With the United Nations still in shock after the attacks on the UN offices in Baghdad last week which killed 23, UN Secretary General Kofi Annan called the bombings "despicable acts of terrorism" that could only be condemned.

"The secretary-general utterly condemns the terrorist bomb attacks today," a statement released Monday by Annan's spokesman said.

"He is adamantly opposed to all acts of terrorism, from whatever quarter."

US President George W. Bush, whose administration has waged an anti-terror drive since the September 11 2001 attacks on New York and Washington, offered condolences to India.

"Acts of terror are intended to sow fear and chaos among free peoples. I hope that the perpetrators of these murders will be identified quickly and brought to justice," Bush said.

"I strongly condemn the bombings," Bush said in a statement. "On behalf of all Americans, I send condolences to all affected by today's tragedy and to the government and people of India."

The bombs, hidden in the rear seats of taxis, exploded during the lunch-hour rush at the temple of Mumbadevi and a square in front of the Gateway of India monument.

Russia's foreign ministry likened the explosions to attacks against civilians by Chechen suicide bombers, who earlier this month killed 50 people in southern Russian when they blew up a military hospital.

"Russia resolutely condemns the terrorist acts in Mumbai (Bombay) and is confident that those who organised and carried them out will be tracked down and severely punished," the foreign ministry said in a statement.

"Russia shares the Indian people's grief over the death of innocent people and it sends its condolences to their families and relatives," it said.

China expressed its shock at the blasts, with foreign ministry spokesman Kong Quan offering sympathy for the families of the victims, while other countries, including Canada, New Zealand and Australia, voiced their outrage.