Blast occurs near Israel embassy in India's Delhi, no casualties reported

NEW DELHI - A low-intensity blast took place near the Israeli embassy in the heart of Delhi in India on Friday evening with no casualties reported.

The blast happened when the annual national function "Beating the Retreat" was going on just a couple of kilometers away at the Vijay Chowk area, where top Indian dignitaries, including President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, senior cabinet ministers, foreign ambassadors and envoys were present.

The blast, three days after the country celebrated its 72nd Republic Day, occurred despite the high-security arrangements in place.

According to the local police, no injuries or deaths have been reported. Windows panels of a couple of vehicles parked near-by broke as a result of the impact of the blast, confirmed a local cop.

The whole area has been cordoned off and heavy security was deployed in the area.

Fire brigades have been rushed to the spot, confirmed a top official of the Delhi Fire Department.