In a firm and unequivocal stance, the Union Cabinet on Wednesday officially classified the Red Fort car explosion as a terrorist incident, describing it as a “heinous act perpetrated by anti-national forces.” The resolution, passed in a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marks the first formal government acknowledgment that the blast, which killed at least 10 people and injured many others on Monday evening, was an act of terrorism.

The deadly explosion, which occurred near Gate No. 1 of the Red Fort Metro station, sent shockwaves through the capital, shattering the evening calm in one of Delhi’s most historic and heavily visited areas. Authorities say a Hyundai i20 car, laden with a large quantity of explosives, detonated around 6:50 p.m., resulting in a massive fireball, multiple fatalities, and panic among tourists and residents in the vicinity.

Government Condemnation and Policy Response

In its official resolution, the Union Cabinet condemned the blast as a “dastardly and cowardly act” designed to inflict maximum harm and sow fear. “The country has witnessed a heinous terror incident perpetrated by anti-national forces through a car explosion near the Red Fort on the evening of 10 November 2025,” the Cabinet stated. “The explosion resulted in multiple fatalities and injuries to several others.”

The resolution further reaffirmed India’s zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism and pledged a swift, professional, and thorough investigation to identify and punish those responsible. “The Cabinet directs that the investigation into the incident be pursued with utmost urgency and professionalism so that the perpetrators, their collaborators, and their sponsors are identified and brought to justice without delay,” the statement said.

The Cabinet also expressed deep condolences for the victims and their families and observed a two-minute silence in honour of those who lost their lives.

Acknowledgment as a Terror Attack

This Cabinet resolution represents the first formal acknowledgment by the government that the explosion was a terrorist incident. Although the first information report (FIR) filed by Delhi Police had already invoked provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) — India’s primary anti-terror law — the Cabinet’s statement formally elevates the incident to a matter of national security.

Following the initial investigation, the case was handed over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA), which has since taken charge of all forensic and intelligence-related inquiries. The agency is working closely with Delhi Police, the Intelligence Bureau (IB), and central forensic experts to reconstruct the sequence of events and identify the exact explosive materials used.

Investigation Uncovers Wider Extremist Network

Preliminary findings have pointed to a network of extremist operatives with ties to Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), a Pakistan-based terror outfit. Officials say the Delhi blast may be connected to a Faridabad-based module that was busted earlier this week. Investigations have revealed connections between the Red Fort explosion and recent terror-linked arrests and recoveries in northern India.

Authorities believe the Red Fort attack is part of a broader chain of events that include:

• The appearance of JeM propaganda posters in Nowgam, Kashmir, on October 18.
• The arrests of three individuals, including Dr. Adeel Rather (from Saharanpur), Muzammil Shakeel Ganaie(from Faridabad), and Shaheen Shahid (from Lucknow), who were allegedly part of a sleeper cell coordinating logistics and materials for the operation.
• The recovery of nearly 2,900 kilograms of ammonium nitrate, along with firearms and detonators, from a warehouse in Faridabad, which investigators believe were intended for use in multiple attacks across northern India.

Intelligence officials are also examining possible links to a group of individuals associated with Al Falah University in Haryana, where several suspects allegedly received funding and communication support from overseas sources.

International Links Under Scrutiny

Although investigators have yet to confirm whether the plot was coordinated from abroad, officials have not ruled out foreign involvement. At a late-night press briefing, Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, who was present at the Cabinet meeting, declined to comment on whether the attackers operated under the direction of entities outside India, stating only that “all possibilities are being examined.”

The Cabinet resolution, however, acknowledged “statements of solidarity and support from several governments around the world,” underscoring the international ramifications of the attack and the need for cross-border cooperation in counterterrorism efforts.

Cabinet’s Message: Unity and Zero Tolerance

In addition to its condemnation of the attack, the Cabinet reaffirmed its “steadfast resolve to safeguard the lives and well-being of all Indians” and reiterated the government’s commitment to national security. “The situation continues to be closely monitored at the highest levels,” the resolution stated.

Prime Minister Modi, who returned to New Delhi after a state visit to Bhutan earlier in the day, also chaired a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) to assess the situation and coordinate the national response. He later visited Lok Nayak Jai Prakash (LNJP) Hospital, where many of the injured are being treated.

After his visit, the Prime Minister posted on X: “Went to LNJP Hospital and met those injured during the blast in Delhi. Praying for everyone’s quick recovery. Those behind the conspiracy will be brought to justice!”

Heightened Security and National Impact

Following the Cabinet’s resolution, the Ministry of Home Affairs has placed Delhi and several major cities on high alert, with enhanced deployment at critical infrastructure sites, including Red Fort, India Gate, the Parliament complex, and metro stations. Special teams have been instructed to tighten security around Independence Day and Republic Day venues, given the symbolic importance of the Red Fort in India’s national identity.

The government’s strong language in the resolution — referring to “anti-national forces” — signals not only its condemnation but also its resolve to trace the financial and operational sponsors behind the attack. Senior officials indicated that the probe will likely include foreign funding trails, encrypted communications, and the possible use of dark web networks for coordination.

Global Condemnation and Solidarity

The blast has drawn condemnation from several international allies, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and France, all of whom expressed solidarity with India and support for its fight against terrorism. Diplomatic sources said foreign governments are cooperating with Indian agencies to trace possible cross-border financial transactions linked to the JeM module.

Security analysts note that the Cabinet’s resolution — formally identifying the incident as terrorism — allows India to pursue international channels, including Interpol and the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), to target external enablers.

A Nation Demands Justice

As the investigation continues, the mood across the country remains one of anger, grief, and determination. The Cabinet’s resolution encapsulated this national sentiment:

“The Union Cabinet unequivocally condemns this heinous terror incident and stands united in its resolve to ensure that the perpetrators, their collaborators, and their sponsors are identified and brought to justice. The Government of India will never tolerate acts of terror that threaten peace, security, and the lives of innocent citizens.”

While investigators work tirelessly to connect the dots, Delhi’s residents — especially those who witnessed the explosion — continue to grapple with trauma. Yet amid the sorrow, one message rings clear: India stands united against terror, and those responsible for the Red Fort blast will face the full force of the law.