Friday, August 11 2006 18:58 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Hours after the US warning that foreign terrorists, possibly Al Qaeda, planned to strike during Independence Day, the Indian home ministry said Friday that all possible steps had been taken for the safety of its citizens.

"We have received inputs on terrorist activities and necessary steps have been taken," said V.K. Duggal, home secretary, after concluding an emergency meeting with intelligence officials to evaluate the threat.

The information given by the US had been sent to different security agencies and they have been sensitised, said Duggal.

"The security of the citizens is our main objective and we are taking all necessary steps."

"We have also informed the various state governments, intelligence agencies and police forces to take adequate steps," he added.

"Whenever we receive such advisory, we take all the necessary steps to ensure safety of the citizens," said the home secretary.

According to Duggal, the advisory sent by the US was more about the possible terror attacks on the staff members of the US in India.

"We have no comments on the advisory. It is more about the steps issued to the staff of the US," he said.

Meanwhile, US officials in India said that they had shared information about possible terror attacks by foreign terrorists, possibly the Al Qaeda, in Mumbai and Delhi.

They said the terrorists planned to target major airports, government buildings and major public places in Mumbai and Delhi in the run-up to Independence Day.

The US embassy has already issued a 'warden message' to nearly 65,000 Americans living in India who have registered with the American embassy.

Under the warden system, the US embassy issues a message alert by e-mail to all American citizens living in a foreign country in the event of a terrorist threat. The intelligence information on imminent terror strikes in India comes close on the heels of a foiled 'Al Qaeda plot' Thursday to blow up multiple US aircraft departing from Heathrow airport in London and based on a 'martyrdom tape' recovered from alleged suspects in London.