Torch reaches locked-down Delhi
Indian riot police train in central Delhi on 15 April
Indian riot police have been training in central Delhi

The Olympic flame has reached the Indian capital Delhi from Pakistan amid tight security on the latest leg of its troubled tour before the Beijing Games.

Many Tibetans live in the country and they have announced plans to hold a parallel protest in Delhi.

Some 15,000 police and commandos have locked down the heart of the city where the torch relay will be held.

The flame's journey has so far seen chaotic scenes in London, Paris and San Francisco amid pro-Tibet protests.

Secret timing

A least 50 Tibetans were detained by police at a rally in front of the Chinese embassy in Delhi on Wednesday.


DELHI TORCH ROUTE
Delhi torch route map
Indian officials announce on 3 April that route will be shortened on security grounds
Torch to be carried along Rajpath from Presidential palace to India Gate

The flame came through Delhi airport, where it was received by Suresh Kalmadi, the chief of the Indian Olympic Association.

The torch was then driven along a route into the city lined with hundreds of police.

No exact times have been given for the relay on Thursday amid fears of protests by the 100,000-strong Tibetan exile community.

The authorities have closed many main roads in central Delhi in the run-up to the ceremony, creating huge traffic jams.

Police have ordered workers in government offices overlooking the route of the torch not to look out of their windows to witness the ceremony because of the perceived security threat.

Police patrols have been issued with blankets and fire extinguishers to prevent protesters from setting themselves on fire.

India has trimmed the relay route to a third of the original 9-km (5-mile) distance.

All that is clear, the BBC's Alastair Lawson reports from Delhi, is that 70 people - including sports stars and actors - will carry the flame along the Rajpath - or King's path - the ceremonial avenue in central Delhi.

"We have taken every precaution to ensure the event remains peaceful," Junior Home Minister Shakeel Ahmed told reporters.

Other cities preparing to receive the torch are also making preparations.

In the Australian capital, Canberra, police have been given extra powers to search those watching the relay for items such as guns and knives.

There are fears of clashes between Chinese supporters and Tibetan groups protesting about their rights, with both sides planning to have a large presence at the Australian relay event next week.