New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday described the terror attack in Istanbul as "barbaric" and said that India will stand by Turkey in this time of grief.

"Heartfelt condolences to the government and people of Turkey on the tragic loss of lives in Istanbul," he tweeted. "We strongly condemn the barbaric attack and stand by Turkey in this time of grief," the PM added.

Thirty-nine people, including foreigners, were killed when a gunman stormed into an Istanbul nightclub as revellers were celebrating the New Year.