India joins search for Malaysia Airlines plane

NEW DELHI — India says its navy, air force and coast guard are now looking for the missing Malaysia Airlines plane as the search has expanded to cover an area stretching from the South China Sea to the Andaman Sea.

A Defense Ministry statement Thursday says India has received a formal request for help from the Malaysian government in tracing the missing aircraft. The area indicated by Malaysia is in the South Andaman Sea and west of Great Nicobar Island.

The plane with 239 people aboard disappeared early Saturday en route to Beijing.

India's statement says its air effort includes two C-130s, one Mi-17 V5 helicopter of the air force and Dornier and P8i maritime reconnaissance aircraft of the navy.

The statement also says navy and coast guard ships will comb the area.