‘No effort spared’ to find those responsible for Israel embassy blast, says minister

No one was injured in the explosion, officials say

Police cordon off the area after an explosion near the Israeli embassy in New Delhi on January 29. AFP

India will spare no effort to find the culprits behind a blast outside the Israeli embassy in New Delhi on Friday, the country’s foreign minister told his counterpart in Tel Aviv.

There were no casualties in the small explosion, shortly after 5pm.

An Israeli official said the incident was being treated as terrorism.

Delhi police said the explosion was caused by a "very low intensity improvised device" and damaged the windows of three nearby parked cars.

Indian Foreign Minister S Jaishankar said he sought to reassure Israeli Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi over the safety of the Israeli embassy and its staff, and promised to do his utmost to find those responsible.

"We take this very seriously," Mr Jaishankar said on Twitter after the call with Mr Ashkenazi.

"[Mr Jaishankar] 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."

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a statement saying he has “full confidence” that Indian authorities will investigate the bombing and work to ensure the safety of Israelis.

India is a popular destination for Israelis, many of whom travel there for tourism after finishing their military service. Mr Netanyahu and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi have developed close ties in recent years.

The New Delhi Television news channel said the explosive device had ball bearings wrapped in a plastic bag and was left on the pavement outside the embassy. There was no immediate police confirmation.

Police in India did not go as far as to describe the blast as a terrorist attack.

"Initial impressions suggest a mischievous attempt to create a sensation," a police official said.

The Israeli Foreign Ministry said no damage was caused to its embassy building and all Israeli diplomats and embassy staff were safe.

"The incident is under investigation by the authorities in India, who are in contact with the relevant Israeli authorities," the ministry said.

An Israeli official told Reuters that "although there were no casualties, India and all elements in Israel regard the explosion as a terrorist incident".

The blast occurred while Mr Modi and Indian President Ram Nath Kovind were taking part in a military ceremony one kilometre away.

The site was quickly cordoned off by police.

In 2012, a blast near the Israeli embassy in New Delhi injured an Israeli diplomat's wife, her driver and two others. It coincided with an attack on another Israeli diplomat in Tbilisi, Georgia.