Referring to last year's serial blasts in various cities, the advisory says: 'Attacks can take place anywhere and at any time in India and many recent incidents have resulted in deaths and/or injuries.'

Warning its citizens against political rallies and demonstrations, it says 'they are frequent throughout the country and can turn violent, particularly immediately preceding and following elections'.

'Both domestic and international political events can trigger large-scale demonstrations which may include communal violence. Transportation and services can be disrupted on short notice. Curfews are occasionally imposed.'

The advisory says foreigners in India also face petty crime, including pick-pocketing and bag snatching.

'Passports and valuables have been stolen from luggage on trains and buses. Pay attention to the security of personal belongings and passports. Do not accept food or drink from strangers. There have been cases of drugging.

'There have been increased reports of assault, rape and sexual aggression against foreign women. Women should avoid travelling alone, particularly after dark. Foreign women are often a target for unwanted attention.'

Deepak Obhrai, parliamentary secretary to the Canadian foreign minister, said the sweeping advisory was justified as 'we lost our citizens in the Mumbai terror attacks.'

'This is just in response what India has done - beef up its security apparatus,' he said.

(Gurmukh Singh can be contacted at gurmukh.s@ians.in)