Niagara, Canada / New Delhi (Rajeev Sharma): United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio has termed the November 10 car explosion near Delhi’s Red Fort as “undeniably a terrorist attack,” applauding Indian authorities for their swift and professional handling of the investigation.
Speaking to reporters after a bilateral meeting with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on the sidelines of the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Summit in Niagara, Rubio said the nature of the blast and materials recovered “clearly point to a coordinated terror act.”
“The Indians deserve real credit. Their investigation has been methodical, cautious, and extremely professional,” Rubio stated. “It’s evident that this was a terrorist incident — a car packed with high-powered explosives that took many innocent lives.”
India’s Competence Praised
Rubio confirmed that Washington has offered assistance, though he emphasized that India’s agencies have the capacity and expertise to manage the probe on their own. “We’ve made it clear that the US stands ready to help if requested, but frankly, India’s investigators are very capable. They’re doing an excellent job,” he said.
He added that the two sides discussed the potential implications of the attack and its possible links to cross-border networks. “We’re watching closely because incidents like this can have a wider impact. But I’m confident India will handle this with the seriousness it deserves,” he remarked.
Links to Pakistan-Based Groups Emerge
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has taken charge of the case, which authorities have confirmed to be a terror strike. Early findings indicate that the car explosion was connected to Pakistan-backed groups Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind (AGH).
Officials say the attack was tied to a ‘white-collar’ terror module that included professionals such as doctors and religious figures. The group was dismantled following an extensive crackdown across Jammu and Kashmir, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, where nearly 2,921 kilograms of explosives were seized.
India’s Leadership Reacts
Earlier this week, the Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, passed a resolution condemning the blast and expressing grief over the loss of lives. The statement described the explosion as “a cowardly act carried out by anti-national forces” and directed investigative agencies to ensure a swift and thorough inquiry to bring all those involved — including sponsors and collaborators — to justice.
International Condolences and Support
Rubio, who conveyed condolences on behalf of the US government, reiterated Washington’s solidarity with New Delhi in combating terrorism. “We share India’s grief and stand shoulder to shoulder with them in the global fight against terror,” he said.
His remarks came amid heightened security measures in Delhi, where agencies remain on alert after the Red Fort blast that killed multiple people and injured several others.
As the probe intensifies, both India and the US are expected to continue close coordination on intelligence sharing, ensuring that those responsible for the attack face consequences at every level.
