In a strongly worded response to the deadly explosion near Delhi’s Red Fort, the Government of India has formally declared the incident a “terrorist attack perpetrated by anti-national forces”. The Union Cabinet, in a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday, adopted a resolution condemning the blast as a “senseless act of violence” and reaffirmed the nation’s zero-tolerance policy toward terrorism.

The tragic explosion, which occurred on November 10, 2025, near the historic Red Fort, claimed at least ten lives and left more than twenty others injured. The blast, caused by a Hyundai i20 laden with explosives, tore through one of Delhi’s busiest intersections, sending shockwaves across the nation.

The Cabinet Resolution: A Firm Message Against Terror

During the meeting held soon after Prime Minister Modi’s return from Bhutan, the Union Cabinet passed a comprehensive resolution condemning the “dastardly and cowardly act” that targeted innocent civilians in the heart of India’s capital.

“The Cabinet expresses its profound grief over the loss of lives in the terrorist incident involving a car explosion near the Red Fort in Delhi on the evening of November 10, 2025,” the government statement said. “The Union Cabinet condemns this heinous terror incident perpetrated by anti-national forces and stands in solidarity with the victims and their families.”

The Cabinet members observed two minutes of silence in memory of those killed in the attack. According to the resolution, the incident represents not only a violent assault on human life but also an attack on India’s unity and peace.

PM Modi’s Response: “Those Behind the Conspiracy Will Be Brought to Justice”

Immediately after returning to New Delhi from his official visit to Bhutan, Prime Minister Modi chaired the high-level Cabinet meeting and later visited Lok Nayak Jai Prakash (LNJP) Hospital to meet those injured in the blast.

“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!” PM Modi posted on X (formerly Twitter) late on Wednesday evening.

He also convened a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) to assess the latest findings of the ongoing investigation and to coordinate responses across intelligence and law enforcement agencies.

Investigation Ordered with “Utmost Urgency and Professionalism”

In its resolution, the Union Cabinet directed investigative agencies to pursue the case with the highest urgency and professionalism. The government stressed that all perpetrators, collaborators, and sponsors involved in the incident must be identified and punished without delay.

“The Cabinet reiterates India’s unwavering commitment to a policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism in all its forms and manifestations,” the statement read. “The investigation into the incident must be pursued with utmost urgency and professionalism so that the perpetrators, their collaborators, and their sponsors are identified and brought to justice without delay.”

Senior officials confirmed that the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and Delhi Police Special Cell are jointly handling the probe. Early leads have linked the blast to a Faridabad-based extremist module with alleged ties to Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) and individuals connected to Al Falah University in Haryana. Investigators are exploring whether the attack was part of a larger terror plot targeting national symbols ahead of Republic Day security preparations.

A Nation on Alert

The Cabinet resolution emphasized that the situation is being closely monitored at the highest levels of government. “The safety and well-being of every citizen remain our top priority,” it noted. “The government reaffirms its enduring commitment to national security and its resolve to protect all Indians from acts of terror and violence.”

Following the blast, Delhi has been placed under heightened security surveillance, with increased deployment near key landmarks such as the Red Fort, India Gate, and Parliament House. Security checks at metro stations and airports have been intensified, and intelligence agencies are maintaining a “high alert” status across major cities.

A Symbolic Target

The choice of the Red Fort area—a symbol of India’s independence and sovereignty—has amplified the gravity of the attack. For decades, the Red Fort has stood as a site of national pride, where the Prime Minister hoists the tricolour every Independence Day. Targeting it, officials said, was a deliberate attempt to strike at India’s collective psyche and challenge its sense of security.

“The Red Fort is not just a monument,” said a senior official from the Home Ministry. “It is a living emblem of India’s freedom and resilience. Targeting it represents an attempt by anti-national forces to sow fear and division. But they will not succeed.”

Public and Political Reactions

Across political lines, the incident has drawn widespread condemnation. Opposition leaders joined the government in expressing solidarity with the victims and called for unity in confronting terrorism. Security experts, meanwhile, have urged authorities to examine potential intelligence lapses and strengthen citywide surveillance measures.

Ordinary citizens, especially those living or working near the Red Fort, remain shaken. Local shopkeepers describe the moment of the explosion as surreal and devastating. “It was like the sky cracked open,” said one witness. “The blast threw people off their feet. I saw smoke, fire, and people crying for help.”

For survivors and families of the victims, the government’s assurances of justice offer some comfort, but the trauma remains raw. At LNJP Hospital, where most victims were taken, relatives have spent days waiting for news about their loved ones. “We just want answers,” said one man whose brother remains critical. “Who did this, and why?”

Moving Forward

As the investigation progresses, the government has reaffirmed its determination to prevent any recurrence of such attacks. Senior intelligence officials are coordinating with international partners to trace the funding and communication networks involved in the blast.

“The Cabinet’s message is clear,” said a spokesperson for the Ministry of Home Affairs. “India will not be cowed by terror. We will find those responsible and ensure they face the full force of the law.”

In its closing lines, the Union Cabinet’s resolution summarized the nation’s collective sentiment:

“The Government of India stands united against terrorism. We mourn the loss of innocent lives and pledge that such acts of cowardice will only strengthen our resolve to safeguard peace, unity, and national integrity.”

As Delhi mourns its dead and the investigation deepens, the Red Fort blast serves as a chilling reminder of the persistent threats the country faces—and of the unyielding will of its people and government to confront them head-on.