U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the deadly explosion near Delhi’s iconic Red Fort as a terrorist act, affirming that the vehicle involved was loaded with highly explosive materials, resulting in multiple casualties. Speaking at a press event, Rubio emphasized the seriousness of the incident, which claimed eight lives and injured over twenty people.
Rubio praised Indian authorities for conducting a “measured, cautious, and highly professional” investigation. He highlighted that India is effectively managing the inquiry and clarified that while the U.S. offered support, India’s law enforcement agencies are fully capable of leading the probe independently.
During a meeting in Canada with India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar at the G7 foreign ministers’ summit, Rubio conveyed condolences and affirmed strong bilateral cooperation. Jaishankar expressed appreciation for Rubio’s condolences and confirmed discussions extended beyond security to cover trade, supply chains, and regional matters.
The Indian government officially classified the incident as a terrorist attack, condemning it as a heinous act perpetrated by anti-national forces. Law enforcement agencies were directed to act with urgency and professionalism to bring the culprits to justice swiftly.
Addressing concerns about potential escalation between India and neighboring countries, Rubio expressed confidence in India’s measured and restrained response, emphasizing the importance of professionalism in handling such sensitive situations.
The dialogue between Rubio and Jaishankar also included broader geopolitical issues such as the Ukraine conflict, Middle East developments, and the Indo-Pacific region, reflecting the comprehensive scope of India-U.S. diplomatic engagement.
