'Terror attacks can occur anytime, anywhere in India'

In a fresh advisory, Australia on Tuesday warned of possible terrorist attacks in public places in India, especially in New Delhi and Mumbai, and advised its citizens not to travel to Jammu and Kashmir due to "frequent armed clashes and terrorist activities" there.

In the travel advisory issued to its citizens residing in India or planning to travel to that country, the department of foreign affairs and trade asked them to exercise a "high degree of caution in India because of the high risk of terrorist activity by militant groups."

"Pay close attention to your personal security at all times and monitor the media for information about possible new safety or security risks. Terrorist attacks could occur at any time anywhere in India with little or no warning," it said.

The DFAT said Australia continues to receive reports about terrorists' plans to attack public places, including hotels and tourist locations, in New Delhi, Mumbai and other major cities.

"Terrorists may also be planning attacks against Indian political and security interests. We also continue to receive reports about possible terrorist attacks against markets frequented by foreigners in New Delhi," it said.

The advisory also asked Australians "not to travel to Jammu and Kashmir, other than to the Ladakh region via Manali, or by air to the city of Leh, due to frequent armed clashes and terrorist activities."

It also asked citizens to 'reconsider' their need to travel to the north-eastern states of Assam, Nagaland, Tripura and Manipur because of the "risk of armed robbery, kidnapping, extortion and terrorism-related incidents."

"If you do decide to travel to these areas, you should exercise extreme caution," the advisory said, noting that many past attacks in Indian cities have been indiscriminate and not directed at a particular target.

"In April 2010, explosions occurred outside a stadium hosting an Indian Premier League cricket match in Bangalore," it added.

Travellers were also warned against visiting during "major secular and religious holidays which could provide terrorist groups an opportunity or pretext to stage an attack," it said.

The advisory also noted that 166 people were killed and more than 300 were injured in a series of coordinated terrorist attacks "targeting places frequented by Westerners in Mumbai."

On Commonwealth Games, the advisory asked travellers attending the Games to register their travel and contact details in advance of their trip.

"We advise you not to travel in the immediate vicinity of the border with Pakistan, other than at the international border crossing at Atari-Wagah," the DFAT said.