United States: U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has formally described the November 10 Delhi blast as a “terrorist attack,” commending India’s measured and professional response to the ongoing investigation. Speaking on the sidelines of the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Canada, Rubio confirmed that the explosion, which killed 12 people and left around 20 injured, bore all the hallmarks of a deliberate and coordinated act of terror.
High-Intensity Blast Near Red Fort Metro Station: Timeline and Investigation
The explosion occurred near Red Fort Metro Station in central Delhi during peak traffic hours on the evening of November 10, 2025. The blast originated from a Hyundai i20 car, which investigators later confirmed was carrying military-grade explosives. Authorities immediately cordoned off the area, halting metro and road traffic around the site.
Forensic teams from the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and Delhi Police Special Cell found chemical traces of RDX and PETN, substances often used by organized terror networks. Investigators determined that the car had been moving slowly before the detonation, suggesting a possible remote or timed triggering mechanism.
The vehicle’s registration led authorities to a shell company in Faridabad, Haryana, which is now under investigation for suspected financial links to extremist funding channels. CCTV footage, eyewitness accounts, and mobile-tower data from nearby locations have been collected to track the suspects and reconstruct the sequence of events.
The case has been registered under Section 3 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967, officially classifying the incident as a terrorist act. This designation grants central agencies expanded authority for interrogation and extended detention. The NIA has formally taken charge of the investigation, citing cross-border links and possible international involvement.
Addressing reporters in Hamilton on November 12, Secretary Rubio stated, “Clearly, it was a terrorist attack. It was a car loaded with highly explosive materials that detonated and killed a lot of people.” He added that the United States commends India’s professionalism, saying, “The Indians need to be commended. They’ve been very measured, cautious, and professional in how they’re carrying out this investigation.”
Rubio’s remarks followed a bilateral discussion with India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, who was also present at the G7 meeting. The two leaders reviewed ongoing cooperation under the India–U.S. Counterterrorism Joint Working Group, established in 2000 and renewed in 2023 to enhance intelligence sharing and joint training. While Rubio confirmed that Washington had offered technical support, he noted that Indian agencies were fully capable of handling the probe independently. “They don’t need our help. India has developed strong counter-terrorism infrastructure over the years,” Rubio said.
The U.S. Department of State later reaffirmed its commitment to continued intelligence exchange with New Delhi, emphasizing that cooperation against global terrorism remains a central pillar of the strategic partnership. The Delhi attack is expected to be discussed in upcoming Quad Security Dialogue meetings, particularly in relation to urban counter-terror strategies and critical-infrastructure protection.
Legal and Security Implications in India
Following the blast, authorities implemented heightened security across major Indian cities. Under the National Security Act (NSA), 1980, Delhi Police have detained several individuals for preventive questioning. The Information Technology Act, 2000, is also being invoked to trace encrypted communications possibly linked to the suspects.
The Explosives Act, 1884, is being applied to classify the recovered materials and trace their origin. Intelligence agencies are coordinating with international partners to examine potential external financing. Legal experts note that invoking the UAPA allows up to 180 days of investigative custody, providing agencies greater flexibility to pursue multi-jurisdictional leads.
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has issued a nationwide advisory urging metro cities to conduct comprehensive security audits of public-transport systems and crowded urban spaces.
In Parliament, the Standing Committee on Home Affairs is preparing to review the Delhi incident under its mandate to assess national-security mechanisms. The Delhi High Court has directed the NIA to file a preliminary status report within 15 days, ensuring transparency and judicial oversight.
Diplomatic observers described Rubio’s endorsement as a reaffirmation of Washington’s trust in India’s internal-security capabilities. Analysts note that the timing—days before the G7 meetings—underscores the urgency of coordinated global responses to terrorism in densely populated cities.
