“I spoke to the ambassador there. The ambassador told me that all 25,000 Indians in Japan, most of them in and around Tokyo, are safe and he is in touch with the Indian community,” Krishna told reporters outside parliament.

The minister said the Indian government will do everything possible to help its nationals and a helpline has been set up through which the Indian embassy may be contacted for help.

Asked about India’s contribution to relief work in Japan, Krishna said: “Whatever assistance that India is capable of and which would help the people of Japan in the hour of crisis, it would be done.”

He also added that a plane carrying blankets has been sent to Japan and New Delhi was in touch with the Japanese government to find out what assistance may be needed.

An earthquake measuring 9 on the Richter scale hit Japan Friday afternoon triggering huge tsunami waves that swept the country's northeastern coast. Thousands are believed to have perished in the tragedy with many more still missing