President Bush has telephoned Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to extend condolences and to get an update on Indian relief efforts after Saturday's quake.
The White House says Mr. Bush praised Mr. Singh for reaching out to Pakistan and offering assistance. Just hours before, the first Indian plane with relief supplies arrived at a military base near Islamabad, carrying tents, medicine and other goods.
In Islamabad, President Pervez Musharraf expressed gratitude to the world for sending aid to quake victims. In a televised address to the nation, General Musharraf specifically thanked Pakistan's historic rival India, saying Prime Minister Singh was very kind to call him and offer all possible assistance.
The World Bank says it is doubling its initial commitment to hardest-hit Pakistan to 40-million dollars. The bank said the money will be redirected from other projects in Pakistan. British Prime Minister Tony Blair pledged another 17-and-a-half million dollars for quake victims, in addition to the three-and-a-half million dollars that Britain pledged earlier. The United States announced an initial emergency aid contribution of up to 50-million dollars, while the United Nations has appealed for 272-million dollars to provide emergency relief.