A very low intensity improvised explosive device went off at about 5.05 pm on Friday evening (29 January) at APJ Abdul Kalam Road near the Embassy of Israel in New Delhi. There have been no reports of any casualties.

Window panes of several cars parked there were shattered with the impact.

The blast occurred around 1.8 KM away from the beating retreat ceremony at Vijay Chowk. Incidentally, the blast also took place on the day India and Israel are celebrating 29-years of diplomatic relations.

Soon, the bomb disposal squad, Special Cell, intelligence agencies and the police visited the spot. The area was sealed as the forensic teams gathered evidence.

The fire department got a call at 5.11 pm and three fire tenders were rushed to the spot.

"No injury to any person is there and nor any damage to property was witnessed except window panes of three vehicles parked nearby. Initial impressions suggest a mischievous attempt to create a sensation," said a senior Delhi Police official.

Following the incident, External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar tweeted that he has spoken to his Israeli counterpart and assured that no efforts will be spared to find the culprits.

Dr Jaishankar added that India will provide the fullest protection to the Israeli embassy and diplomats.

The area is in proximity of Vijay Chowk where the Beating Retreat ceremony was still on. This raises security concerns about the motive behind an improvised device explosion.

"We are ascertaining the nature of the blast and the CCTV footage of the area and around is being scanned," said a senior police officer.

Meanwhile, Delhi has been put on high alert and security at airports, railway stations and strategic buildings intensified.

The explosion has raised serious security concerns as multiple teams of Delhi Police are investigating the explosion and the timing of the blast.

With Inputs From IANS