New Delhi  - India on Thursday offered China assistance worth 5 million dollars for its relief efforts for earthquake victims.

"Keeping in view India's close and good neighbourly ties with China, the government of India has decided to offer assistance of 5 million dollars to China for its relief activities," India's External Affairs Ministry said in a release.

"This amount would be utilized for relief material, including blankets, tents, sleeping bags, and medicines," the statement said.

Indian President Pratibha Patil, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee have already sent messages of condolence to the government and people of China.

The Chinese government recently said it was willing to accept international aid for relief operations.

The quake, measuring 7.8 on the Richter scale, struck China's south-western Sichaun province on Monday, killing at estimated over 50,000 people and rendering thousands homeless. (dpa)