NEW DELHI, Nov 23: The United States embassy here said on Tuesday it has closed its consular section and the American Center in the western Indian city of Bombay for a day as a precaution following threats of terrorist attacks.

"The US consulate in Mumbai has closed the consular section and the American Center today as a precautionary measure in response to threat information," said David Kennedy, spokesman for the US embassy in New Delhi.

"In a wording message (to alert American citizens) the US embassy in New Delhi and the consulate in Bombay notified the American community of this decision," he added. Mr Kennedy said the message also "encouraged American citizens to maintain a high-level of vigilance and to take appropriate steps to increase security."

"Based on information received by the US government, terrorists may be planning attacks on US interests in India in the near future," said the notice, copies of which were provided to AFP in Washington by the State Department.

"Although not specific, the information suggests that an attack could be aimed at US interests in the cities of New Delhi or Mumbai," they said. The notice offered few details about the threat information but said targets could include areas where foreigners are known to congregate and urged US citizens in India to boost their security precautions. -AFP