Indian authorities have warned of a "real threat" of lone-wolf attacks by the Islamic State group in the country during the high-profile visit by French President Francois Hollande for the 67th Republic Day.
The threat was reportedly discussed during a security meeting chaired by Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday, which was attended by top security personnel and police officials of 13 states.
The Centre asked all the states and union territories to be on alert on 26 January, according to The Times of India.
It was decided at the meeting that the Border Security Force (BSF) personnel will keep guard during the Republic Day celebrations, NDTV reported.
"The fact that French President Francois Hollande is the chief guest for the Republic Day parade this year may encourage elements under Isis influence to indulge in a one-off attack to attract global attention," a security official told TOI.
The meeting with Rajnath Singh was held mainly to discuss the Isis threat in India, including the use of social media and the growing influence of the terror group on youth in the country, the Press Trust of India had reported.
Fears of Isis attacks during the Republic Day were also raised earlier by security officials. Lone-wolf attacks entail radicalised individuals carrying out attacks on their own while pledging support to a terror group.
Hollande had declared that France was at war against the Islamic State after the terror group claimed the deadly Paris attacks last November that killed 130 people.
