Is India Safe? Israel Warns Western Tourists Of Imminent Terrorist Attacks

Israel has warned tourists to stay away from India amid an alleged immediate threat on foreigners ahead of the New Year's Eve holiday. Israel's anti-terrorism directorate issued the travel warning Friday for the south-west region of the country.

"We are warning Israeli tourists in India of the possibility of imminent terrorist attacks against Western targets and tourists, particularly in the southwest of that country," the warning read. "A particular emphasis should be put on events in the coming days in connection with beach and club parties celebrating the New Year where a concentration of tourists will be high."

Tourists should avoid markets, festivals and crowded shopping areas, the Israeli government said. The warning also urged families in Israel to inform any relatives in Israel of the potential for danger.

It was unclear what prompted the message, Reuters reported Friday. Israel and India share close military ties and India is known as a top tourist destination for Israelis.

In 2012, a bomb attack wounded the wife of an Israeli diplomat, her driver and two others in India. At the time, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused Iran of being behind the bombing, although Tehran denied the claim.

The U.S. State Department has warned Americans about religious violence, sexual assault, petty crimes and swimming in dirty water in India.

"India continues to experience terrorist and insurgent activities which may affect U.S. citizens directly or indirectly," the travel report also warns.

Tourism represents roughly 7 percent of India's GDP and is responsible for about 100 million jobs.