The consulate was shut yesterday for one day "as a precautionary measure in response to threat information," said David Kennedy, spokesman for the US embassy in New Delhi, which remained open.

Indian officials later said the information received by the US was not accurate.

"Our investigations have revealed that the threat information received by the United States regarding attacks on its offices in India was incorrect," R.R. Patil, home minister of the western Indian state of Maharashtra, of which Mumbai is the capital, told reporters.

Without giving details, Patil said his department was informing the federal home ministry about investigations into the terrorist threat conducted by local police.

"We never comment on the characterisation of the threat. We believe that its a prudent approach. We continue to make security for American citizens and American facilities as our priority," Kennedy said when asked about Patil's remarks.

The US State Department said Monday it had information that "terrorists may be planning attacks on US interests in India in the near future.

"Although not specific, the information suggests that an attack could be aimed at US interests in the cities of New Delhi or Mumbai (Bombay)," it said.

The notice offered few details about the threat information but said targets could include areas where foreigners are known to congregate. It urged US citizens in India to heighten security precautions.