A low-intensity IED (improvised explosive device) was detonated near the Israeli Embassy in the heart of central Delhi on Friday evening, the police said, adding that no injuries or property damage, apart from shattered windscreens of nearby cars, had been reported.
According to Delhi Police, the blast occurred at 5.05 pm not far from Vijay Chowk where several VVIPS including President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, among other dignitaries, were in attendance during the “Beating Retreat” ceremony.
External affairs minister S. Jaishankar took to Twitter to say that he spoke to his Israeli counterpart, Gabi Ashkenazi and said that the Indian government has taken the blasts “very seriously” and that “no effort will be spared to find the culprits”.
“Spoke just now to Israeli FM @Gabi_Ashkenazi about the explosion outside the Israeli Embassy. We take this very seriously. Assured him of the fullest protection for the Embassy and Israeli diplomats. The matter is under investigation and no effort will be spared to find the culprits,” he said in a tweet.
Reacting to the news of blast in New Delhi, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed “full confidence” in the Indian authorities in ensuring the safety of Israelis and Jews in India. Meanwhile, quoting an unnamed Israeli official, Reuters reported that Israel is treating the blast near its embassy in New Delhi as a “terrorist incident”.
Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah is in touch with senior Delhi police officials and is constantly monitoring the situation. An alert has also been issued at all airports, important installations and government buildings in view of the blast. Enhanced security measures have been put in place, the Central Industrial Security Force said.
Alert has also been sounded in Haridwar in Uttarakhand after the blast in Delhi. As per SSP Haridwar, the security agency has been alerted as the blast in Delhi took place just ahead of Mahakumbh, which will be held in Haridwar soon. In neighbouring Uttar Pradesh, the administration has issued alerts in major cities, including Ayodhya, following the blast.
