New Delhi: An explosion took place near APJ Abdul Kalam Road in New Delhi at 5.05 pm on Friday, 1.7 kilometres from Vijay Chowk where the Beating Retreat ceremony was being held.
Although a direct link has not been established yet, the blast’s proximity to the Israeli Embassy is being investigated. External affairs minister S. Jaishankar has tweeted that the 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. Matter is under investigation and no effort will be spared to find the culprits.
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) January 29, 2021
In addition to the phone call between the foreign ministers, there was contact at various levels between the two countries. Indian foreign secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla spoke with Israeli foreign secretary Alon Ushpitz, while Ministry of External Affairs Secretary (CPV&OIA), Sanjay Bhattacharya, had a discussion with Israel’s Ambassador in India, Ron Malka.
Following the phone call between 🇮🇱 & 🇮🇳 Foreign Ministers, I spoke with India’s Foreign Secretary, @HarshShringla, who updated me on the situation. I thanked the FS for 🇮🇳 commitment to the safety of the Israeli diplomats. https://t.co/1nXRIxrykD
— Alon Ushpiz (@AlonUshpiz) January 29, 2021
Malka also tweeted a video message conveying that all residents of the embassy were safe.
Today, January 29, 2021, at around 5 pm IST, there was an explosion outside the Israeli embassy in New Delhi. There were no injuries, and all of our staff are safe at home. We are working with Indian authorities to find the perpetrators and the motive behind this attack. pic.twitter.com/mSoxjjXf9R
— Ron Malka 🇮🇱 (@DrRonMalka) January 29, 2021
Israeli journalist Barak Ravid had earlier tweeted of sources “Indian and Israeli security services” are treating the explosion “as an attempted terrorist attack and are checking if the embassy was the target.”
BREAKING: Senior Indian officials told the Israeli ambassador in Delhi they will make every effort to protect the embassy and Israeli diplomats, officials tell me
— Barak Ravid (@BarakRavid) January 29, 2021
January 29 is the anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries in 1992.
Delighted to be celebrating 29 years of diplomatic relations between @Israel and our dear friend #India. 🇮🇳🤝🇮🇱
May the partnership and friendship continue to grow and reach new heights. https://t.co/IfQRJOmjZ6— Ron Malka 🇮🇱 (@DrRonMalka) January 29, 2021
The blast reportedly took place near the pavement. There have been no injuries or casualties reported yet. The windshields of three parked cars have been damaged.
The Special Cell of the Delhi Police has reached the spot and has begun investigations into the exact sequence of events.
#WATCH | Delhi Police team near the Israel Embassy where a low-intensity explosion happened.
Nature of explosion being ascertained. Some broken glasses at the spot. No injuries reported; further investigation underway pic.twitter.com/RphSggzeOa
— ANI (@ANI) January 29, 2021
Police have said that the blast near Jindal House was “very low intensity” and that it was caused by an “improvised device”. The area has several VIP houses.
Police have called the bomb, reported as having been found in a flowerpot on a divider, “a mischievous attempt to create a sensation,” according to initial impressions.
The news agency ANI has quoted sources as having said that the improvised device was appeared to have been thrown from a moving vehicle:
#UPDATE: Initial investigation has revealed that bomb was planted in flower pot on divider. @IndianExpress, @ieDelhi pic.twitter.com/gyC7U1BpPM
— Mahender Singh Manral (@mahendermanral) January 29, 2021
In 2012, when an Israeli embassy car exploded as a magnetic bomb stuck to it went off, critically injuring a woman diplomat, Benjamin Netanyahu had been quick to blame Iran and Hezbollah for the attack.
Note: This article will be updated as more details come in.