India’s intelligence services have issued a high-level alert warning of the potential of terror attacks against Jewish citizens, especially in the aftermath of the Bondi Beach attacks on Sunday.
Security agencies across India, but especially in Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, have been told to remain vigilant. In fact, according to local reports, the alert was put in place last week, following intelligence suggesting a potential terror attack. The alert will now stay in place.
Surveillance is in place across Jewish places of worship, Israeli institutions, and residential areas where Israelis and Jews live.
Hindi-language news site NDTV reported that Israeli citizens in India and their children may also be targeted by terror groups. Israel has an embassy in Delhi and two consulates in Mumbai and Bengaluru.
India's Jewry on high alert
Over 4,000 Jews live in India, including both Indian Jews and Jews from other countries who have moved there. Most of Jewish life is centered in Mumbai, where there are synagogues, day schools, and kosher food.
The main representative body is the Council of Indian Jewry, but other organizations operate there, including B’nai B’rith, a Jewish club in Mumbai, Bikur Cholim, the Women’s International Zionist Organization, and Hadassah.
Additionally, around 50,000 Israelis travel to India every year.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he strongly condemned “the ghastly terrorist attack” carried out in Australia on Sunday, adding, “On behalf of the people of India, I extend my sincere condolences to the families who lost their loved ones.
“We stand in solidarity with the people of Australia in this hour of grief. India has zero tolerance toward terrorism and supports the fight against all forms and manifestations of terrorism.”