The US Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs, has issued an alert on its website (travel.state.gov), warning citizens against the security concerns in India. It said: “In the aftermath of the terrorist attacks, the Department of State urges Americans to defer travel to Mumbai for at least 48-72 hours… the department advises US citizens travelling to or already in India to maintain a high level of vigilance and to take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness.”

Pointing out that Americans appear to have been among those “specifically targeted”, it added: “US citizens should take prudent security measures, including maintaining a high level of vigilance, avoiding crowds and demonstrations, keeping a low profile, varying times and routes for all travel…”