The United States has expressed deep concern and extended condolences following the deadly explosion near the Red Fort in Delhi on Monday evening, an incident that has prompted heightened alerts across multiple Indian states and triggered increased scrutiny from foreign diplomatic missions. The blast, which tore through a slow-moving Hyundai i20 at a traffic signal near the Red Fort Metro Station, left at least eight people dead and injured twenty others. With the exact cause still under investigation, the US State Department said it is closely tracking developments and remains prepared to support American citizens in India as needed.

US State Department Reacts, Offers Condolences

Soon after initial reports of the explosion began circulating, the US State Department’s Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs issued a message of sympathy and concern. In its statement on X, the Bureau said, “Our hearts are with those affected by the terrible explosion in New Delhi. We continue to closely monitor the situation. Our sincere condolences to the families who lost their loved ones. Praying for the speedy recovery of those injured.” The emphasis on ongoing monitoring underscores Washington’s attention to the security implications of the blast and its potential regional ripple effects.

A State Department spokesperson also confirmed to international media that American officials were in touch with local authorities in India. “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 spokesperson told PTI. While no American casualties were reported, the US indicated that its diplomatic presence in Delhi would continue to evaluate the safety environment and provide updates to its citizens.

Security Alert Issued for US Citizens in Delhi

The US Embassy in Delhi released a formal “security alert,” urging American citizens to remain vigilant and avoid areas near the Red Fort and Chandni Chowk until further notice. The alert emphasised that while the cause of the blast remains unknown, the Government of India has placed several states on high alert as a precaution. Advising Americans to “avoid crowds and monitor local media for updates,” the Embassy also stressed the importance of situational awareness in public places, especially in locations heavily frequented by tourists.

The advisory included standard safety guidance: maintain awareness of surroundings, follow instructions from local law enforcement, be alert to emerging security developments, and avoid unnecessary travel near the impacted zones. Tourists staying in Old Delhi hotels were encouraged to remain indoors until authorities fully assessed the threat environment.

A High-Intensity Blast During Peak Evening Hours

The explosion occurred during one of the busiest evening periods in Old Delhi, when the streets around Red Fort, Chandni Chowk, and Daryaganj are typically crowded with commuters, shoppers, and tourists. Preliminary statements from investigators indicate that the blast originated from inside the Hyundai i20, which was travelling slowly through traffic near the Netaji Subhash Marg–Red Fort Metro junction.

According to officials at the scene, the force of the explosion gutted several vehicles nearby, shattered windows, and caused visible shockwaves among pedestrians. The three individuals inside the car were killed instantly. Police said that twenty additional people, including two women, sustained injuries of varying severity and were quickly transported to Lok Nayak Hospital located a few kilometres away. Doctors there confirmed receiving multiple casualties suffering burn injuries and trauma linked to the blast’s shockwave.

Investigators Probe Possible Motives and Mechanisms

Police and counterterrorism agencies said it remains too early to determine whether the explosion was accidental, deliberate, or part of a larger planned attack. One senior police officer noted that the absence of pellets or shrapnel injuries among survivors is unusual for a typical IED detonation, prompting agencies to analyse alternative scenarios, including the possibility of unstable chemicals or fuel-based explosive compounds.

“The blast occurred in a moving Hyundai i20 car in which three people were sitting. We have not found any pellet or puncture in the body of the injured, which is unusual in a blast. We are investigating all angles,” the officer said. This anomaly has raised questions about whether the device was improvised in a manner that did not rely on metallic fragmentation, whether the explosion was accidental, or whether it was a suicide attack with a non-standard trigger mechanism.

Delhi Police have gathered material samples from the wreckage and soil at the blast site for forensic examination. Specialists from the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) are expected to analyse chemical residues to determine the composition, stability, and triggering mechanism of the explosive compound used.

Heightened Alert Across Multiple States

The gravity of the blast prompted authorities to place numerous Indian states on high alert, particularly those with major urban centres or with dense tourist movement. Delhi Police, the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), and paramilitary units intensified checks at metro stations, railway terminals, airports, and key government buildings. Security grids in cities such as Mumbai, Pune, Jaipur, and Lucknow were instructed to conduct enhanced patrols and increase screening at major transit points.

In Old Delhi, security cordons were extended around Red Fort, Lal Qila Metro Station, the Jama Masjid area, and Chandni Chowk. Several lanes leading to Netaji Subhash Marg were temporarily closed for investigation, forcing large traffic diversions throughout the evening.

International Implications and Diplomatic Sensitivity

The Red Fort is one of the most recognisable global landmarks in India, and any security incident in its vicinity carries symbolic and geopolitical weight. Diplomatic missions in Delhi, including those from the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and Japan, have reportedly circulated internal advisories asking staff to exercise caution while travelling in Old Delhi. Some have asked embassy personnel to avoid non-essential movement until the investigation establishes clearer details.

The US Embassy’s public advisory marks one of the more prominent responses, reflecting Washington’s practice of rapid communication with its citizens during foreign security incidents. It also signals the seriousness with which the blast is being viewed internationally, especially given the Red Fort’s prominence in India’s political and cultural identity.

A Developing Investigation with High Stakes

As the investigation continues, authorities face several unanswered questions: who were the three occupants of the vehicle; whether the blast was intentional; whether the car was carrying volatile materials; and if the explosion is linked to any broader network or motive. For now, Delhi remains under tightened security, and both Indian and international observers are monitoring the unfolding developments closely.