In a decisive move underscoring India’s zero-tolerance stance on terrorism, the Union Cabinet has officially declared the recent car explosion near Delhi’s historic Red Fort a “heinous terrorist incident.” The blast, which occurred on the evening of November 10, 2025, claimed at least 13 lives and injured dozens more, sending shockwaves across the nation and prompting an immediate high-level security response. The Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, passed a resolution condemning the attack and directing investigative agencies to pursue the case with utmost urgency and professionalism.
The explosion took place in a high-security zone, just meters away from the Red Fort’s perimeter, raising serious concerns about the breach of national heritage security. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has launched a dedicated probe, with early intelligence suggesting the involvement of a Jaish-e-Mohammad module operating through sleeper cells in the capital.
Timeline of Events Surrounding the Red Fort Blast
| Date | Event Description | Government Response |
|---|---|---|
| Nov 10, 2025 | Car explosion near Red Fort kills 13, injures 27 | Emergency services deployed, NIA alerted |
| Nov 11, 2025 | Security tightened across Delhi | PM Modi visits injured victims |
| Nov 12, 2025 | Union Cabinet passes resolution | Declares incident a terrorist attack |
| Nov 13, 2025 | NIA begins forensic and intelligence investigation | Surveillance footage and mobile data seized |
The Cabinet observed a two-minute silence in memory of the victims and reaffirmed its commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated, “The country has witnessed a heinous terrorist incident perpetrated by anti-national forces through a car explosion near Red Fort. The Cabinet directs that the investigation be pursued with utmost urgency so that the perpetrators, their collaborators, and sponsors are identified and brought to justice without delay.”
Resolution Highlights and Policy Implications
The resolution passed by the Union Cabinet includes several key directives:
- Condemnation of the attack and expression of grief for the victims and their families.
- Directive to investigative agencies to expedite the probe and ensure accountability.
- Reaffirmation of India’s zero-tolerance policy toward terrorism.
- Call for enhanced surveillance and intelligence coordination across urban centers.
| Resolution Component | Objective | Implementation Agency |
|---|---|---|
| Condemnation and tribute | Honor victims, unify national sentiment | Union Cabinet, PMO |
| Investigation directive | Swift identification and prosecution | NIA, Delhi Police, IB |
| Security reinforcement | Prevent future attacks | MHA, State Governments |
| Policy reaffirmation | Strengthen anti-terror laws | Ministry of Law & Justice |
This resolution is expected to influence future counter-terrorism strategies, including amendments to the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and increased funding for urban surveillance infrastructure.
Political and Public Reactions
The declaration of the blast as a terrorist incident has drawn bipartisan support, with leaders across the political spectrum condemning the attack and calling for unity. Prime Minister Modi’s visit to the injured victims at LNJP Hospital was widely covered, reinforcing the government’s commitment to justice and empathy.
Public sentiment has been one of grief and resilience. Citizens gathered near Red Fort to light candles and pay tribute to the victims, while social media platforms saw hashtags like #RedFortBlast and #IndiaAgainstTerror trend nationwide.
Security Measures and Intelligence Findings
Preliminary investigations by the NIA and Intelligence Bureau (IB) have revealed that the explosive device was planted in a stolen vehicle and detonated remotely. Forensic teams recovered traces of RDX and ammonium nitrate, indicating a high-grade explosive typically used in military operations.
| Security Measure | Status Post-Blast | Agency Responsible |
|---|---|---|
| CCTV Surveillance Upgrade | Initiated in Delhi zones | Delhi Police, MHA |
| Border Security Alert | High alert issued | BSF, CISF |
| Intelligence Coordination | Joint task force activated | NIA, IB, RAW |
| Public Safety Campaign | Awareness drives launched | Ministry of Home Affairs |
The government has also issued advisories to all state governments to remain vigilant and enhance security around public monuments and transport hubs.
Historical Context: Terror Incidents Near Heritage Sites
The Red Fort blast is not the first time a heritage site has been targeted. India has witnessed several such incidents in the past, which have led to policy overhauls and security upgrades.
| Year | Incident Location | Casualties | Perpetrator Group |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | Red Fort, Delhi | 3 killed | Lashkar-e-Taiba |
| 2008 | Jaipur Bombings | 63 killed | Indian Mujahideen |
| 2011 | Delhi High Court Blast | 15 killed | Harkat-ul-Jihad-al-Islami |
| 2025 | Red Fort Car Blast | 13 killed | Suspected JeM module |
These incidents underscore the need for continuous vigilance and modernization of India’s counter-terror infrastructure.
International Reactions and Diplomatic Outreach
Several countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, and France, have condemned the attack and expressed solidarity with India. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has briefed foreign missions and assured them of India’s commitment to maintaining public safety and democratic resilience.
The incident may also influence India’s diplomatic posture in upcoming global security summits, where counter-terrorism cooperation is expected to be a key agenda item.
Conclusion
The Union Cabinet’s declaration of the Red Fort car blast as a terrorist incident marks a pivotal moment in India’s ongoing battle against extremism. With a firm resolution, swift investigative action, and nationwide solidarity, India has once again demonstrated its resolve to uphold peace and justice. As the probe unfolds, the nation watches closely, united in grief and determination to ensure that such acts of terror are never repeated.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only. The views and projections mentioned are based on current data and official statements and are subject to change. Readers are advised to follow government advisories and verified news sources for real-time updates.
