Canada has joined US and Australia in warning their citizens who may be travelling to India about a threat of an imminent terrorist attack in the capital New Delhi.
In an email circulated yesterday to registered Canadians living in India, the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade said, "while there is a continuing threat of terrorist attacks throughout India at all times, credible and specific reporting indicates that a terrorist attack could be carried in the following days or weeks, in market areas of Delhi frequented by foreigners."
The travel advisory was the third sent out in recent days and warns travellers to avoid New Delhi's popular Chandni Chowk area in Old Delhi. "We advise to exercise a high degree of caution, to monitor your surroundings and to minimise your presence in market areas of the city," the advisory said. New Delhi has been relatively safe over the past year and a half.
The advisory also comes as India and Pakistan attempt to normalise diplomatic ties. This week both the south Asian neighbours agreed to schedule meetings between foreign ministers.
"Canadians are urged to exercise a high degree of caution, monitor their surroundings and minimise their presence in market areas of the city," the Foreign Affairs notice said.
The notice does not say what information led officials to issue the warning. However, it does point out that there have been a number of recent attacks in crowded markets and other areas, including a bombing outside a cricket stadium in Bangalore in April, and a February bombing at a bakery in Pune that killed nine people and injured dozens of others. Foreign Affairs says Canadians should expect delays at all major airports in India as authorities boost security measures.
The notice also urges Canadians planning to travel to the Commonwealth Games in New Delhi this October to register with Foreign Affairs so they can be contacted and assisted in case of an emergency.
After Canada and US issued their warnings, the Australian government also issued a statement to its citizens urging that they exercise a "high degree of caution" if they are travelling in India. The statement also cites an alert issued by the Indian government on April 29 that warned that terrorist attacks are "likely" in Kolkata, including at the local airport. PTI
