US Confirms Delhi Red Fort Blast as Terrorist Attack: Rubio Praises India's Measured Investigation

Rubio said US offered "help" to India in investigation.

The United States has declared that the car explosion near the Red Fort in Delhi that resulted in at least nine fatalities was "clearly" a "terrorist attack." US Secretary of State Marco Rubio commended New Delhi for its professional approach in investigating the blast, noting that India's response has been both measured and cautious.

"The Indians need to be commended. They've been very measured, cautious and very professional in how they're carrying out this investigation. That investigation continues. It clearly was a terrorist attack. It was a car loaded with highly explosive materials that detonated and killed a lot of people," Rubio stated during a media briefing, responding to a question about India classifying the Delhi blast as a "terror incident".

He further remarked that India was conducting a "very good job of carrying out an investigation, and I think when they have facts, they'll release those facts."

The US Secretary of State mentioned that he had offered "help" to India during his conversation with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar following the blast. However, he added that India is "very capable" of handling the investigation independently.

"We are aware of the potential it has, and we spoke a little about it today – the potential it has to become something broader. We are going to wait to see what the investigation reveals. We have offered to help, but I think they are very capable of these investigations. They don't need our help, and they are doing a good job," he explained.

Jaishankar and Rubio met on the sidelines of the G7 Foreign Ministers' meeting in Canada. During their discussion, Rubio expressed condolences for the lives lost in the recent Delhi blast. Their meeting also covered bilateral relations and global developments.

The Blast

India officially announced on Wednesday that the car explosion near Delhi's Red Fort was a "terrorist incident." This blast represents the first major security incident since a shooting attack in late April that claimed 26 civilian lives at a tourist location in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam.

"The country has witnessed a heinous terror incident, perpetrated by anti-national forces," stated a cabinet announcement, formally designating the nature of Monday's blast for the first time.

The explosion occurred shortly after security forces reported arresting a gang and seizing nearly 3,000 kilograms of explosive materials and assault rifles. Police indicated that the individuals were connected to the Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed.

Home Minister Amit Shah, after leading security discussions following the blast, stated that he had directed officials "to hunt down each and every culprit behind this incident".

"Everyone involved in this act will face the full wrath of our agencies," he emphasized in a statement.