Daijiworld Media Network – Washington
Washington, Nov 13: The United States has extended support to India in probing the deadly explosion near Delhi’s Red Fort that claimed 12 lives and injured several others earlier this week. However, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio praised Indian authorities for their “remarkable skill and efficiency” in handling the investigation, noting that India’s security agencies were fully capable of managing the probe.
Speaking to reporters in Canada following the G7 Foreign Ministers’ meeting, Rubio confirmed that Washington had offered to assist New Delhi in the investigation. “We have offered to help but I think they are very capable on these investigations. They don’t need our help and they are doing a good job,” he said, according to news agency.
The November 10 blast near the Red Fort Metro Station triggered a massive investigation involving multiple security and intelligence agencies. Forensic teams and counterterrorism units have been working round-the-clock to determine the cause of the explosion and identify those responsible.
As nations worldwide expressed condolences and solidarity with India, the US Embassy in New Delhi also issued a message of support. On November 11, Ambassador Sergio Gor posted on social media platform X: “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of those who were lost in the terrible explosion in New Delhi last night. We wish a swift recovery to those who were injured.”
Rubio, Jaishankar Discuss Blast, Bilateral Ties on G7 Sidelines
Meanwhile, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met Secretary Marco Rubio on the sidelines of the G7 meeting, where the two leaders discussed a wide range of bilateral and global issues, including the Red Fort blast.
In a post on X, Jaishankar expressed gratitude for Rubio’s message of sympathy, stating: “Appreciate his condolences on the loss of lives in the blast in Delhi. Discussed our bilateral ties, focusing on trade and supply chains. Exchanged views on the Ukraine conflict, the Middle East/West Asia situation, and the Indo-Pacific.”
The meeting took place just days after the explosion, which has put the national capital on high alert amid fears of possible terrorist involvement.
Earlier this week, a US State Department spokesperson told PTI that Washington was “closely monitoring the situation” and stood ready to provide any necessary assistance. “We are aware of the explosion near Red Fort in Delhi. We are closely monitoring the situation and stand ready to provide consular assistance,” the official said.