A small bomb exploded near the Israeli embassy in Delhi on Friday evening, causing damage to nearby cars but no injuries. The blast also triggered a security alert and a warning to Israelis visiting India. The police are investigating the incident as a possible terrorist act.
The explosion occurred around 5 pm near 5, APJ Abdul Kalam Road, where the Israeli embassy is located. According to the Delhi Police, the blast was caused by a “very low-intensity improvised device” that shattered the windows of three parked cars. No one was hurt in the blast, but one Israeli diplomat’s wife was wounded when a bomb was planted under her car in New Delhi nine years ago.
The Israeli foreign ministry said its embassy staff and building were not impacted by the blast and that it was “under investigation by the authorities in India, who are in contact with the relevant Israeli authorities”. However, one Israeli official told Reuters that “although there were no casualties, India and all elements in Israel regard the explosion as a terrorist incident”.
The National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, Delhi Police commissioner SN Shrivastava and chief of the Intelligence Bureau Arvind Kumar briefed Union home minister Amit Shah about the blast. The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) issued an alert at all airports, important installations and government buildings after the blast and enhanced security measures were put in place. The National Investigative Agency (NIA) has also been roped in to probe the case.
The blast came on the anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between India and Israel on January 29, 1992. It also coincided with a letter found at the blast site that was wrapped in an Israeli flag. The letter threatened to carry out more attacks against Israel unless it withdrew from occupied territories.
The letter has raised concerns among security agencies and diplomats about possible anti-Israel activities in India. The Indian government has condemned any act of violence against its citizens or interests abroad and assured that it will take all necessary steps to ensure their safety.
Israel has thanked India for its cooperation and support in dealing with terrorism. It has also urged its citizens travelling to India to exercise caution and follow local authorities’ instructions.
