SAFETY AND SECURITY:INDIA

There is a high threat from terrorism throughout India and terror attacks are a serious and growing threat to U.S. citizens traveling and resident there. U.S. citizens are urged to always practice good security, including maintaining a heightened situational awareness and a low profile. Coordinated terror attacks in Mumbai in late November 2008 targeting areas frequented by Westerners have raised the risk of Americans becoming intended or unintended victims of terrorism in India. Because the locations of the attacks have included luxury and other hotels, trains, train stations, markets, cinemas, mosques, and restaurants in large urban areas, it is becoming more difficult to modify one’s behavior to lessen the growing risk. The media attention of and public reaction to the Mumbai attack could prompt other terrorist incidents. Future attacks may also target public places frequented by Westerners, including in large cities and tourist areas such as Goa.

The U.S. Mission is concerned that increased political tension between Pakistan and India may further complicate travel in areas near their already-sensitive border. In addition, the Department of Defense has increased its security requirements for all its employees visiting India.

Examples of terror attacks in major cities include the following that have killed over 600 people:

• November 2008: Coordinated terrorist attacks on luxury hotels, Jewish community center, restaurant, train station, hospital and other facilities frequented by foreigners in Mumbai killed over 170, including six Americans,
• October 2008 Multiple bombings in markets and government offices in Guwahati, Assam,
• September 2008: Five deadly explosions in New Delhi markets,
• July 2008: Thirty bombs detonated in Bangalore, Karnataka and Ahmedabad, Gujarat as well as multiple un-detonated bombs found in Surat, Gujarat,
• May 2008: A coordinated series of bombings in market and temple areas of the tourist city of Jaipur, Rajasthan,
• December 2007: An attack on a government paramilitary facility in Uttar Pradesh,
• November 2007: Coordinated blasts at court facilities in three cities in Uttar Pradesh,
• November 2007: A blast in a cinema hall in Punjab,
• August 2007: Two explosions at a popular park and restaurant in Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh,
• May 2007: An explosion at the main mosque in Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh,
• February 2007: The detonation of explosive devices on a train northwest of Delhi,
• September 2006: A series of explosions at a mosque and cemetery in Malegaon,
• July 2006: Seven simultaneous attacks on Mumbai commuter trains,
• March 2006: Simultaneous attacks on a train station and places of worship in Varanasi,
• October 2005: Simultaneous attacks on several markets in New Delhi.