New Delhi/Canada: On Thursday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio underscored that Washington remains attentive to the potential for a broader escalation of tensions between India and Pakistan following the bomb blast near Delhi’s Red Fort on Monday, which claimed several lives and injured many others. Rubio made these remarks on the sidelines of the G7 foreign ministers’ meeting in Canada, highlighting the need for careful monitoring of the situation while commending India’s investigative efforts into the attack.

Rubio, who met with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar during the G7 meeting, extended his condolences for the victims of the Red Fort blast. He emphasized that while the US has offered assistance in the investigation, India has the capacity to handle it independently. “We have offered to help, but I think they are very capable in these investigations. They do not need our help,” Rubio said, adding that the United States would wait for India’s findings before drawing any conclusions.

Addressing concerns about potential tension between New Delhi and Islamabad, Rubio acknowledged the risk of escalation but praised India’s “measured” and “cautious” approach to the probe. “We are aware of the potential that it has, and so we spoke about that a little bit today, the potential that it has to become something broader,” he said, describing the Red Fort incident as “clearly a terrorist attack.”

Rubio’s comments come in the context of ongoing US engagement in South Asian security diplomacy. He had previously played a role in backchannel diplomacy between Washington, New Delhi, and Islamabad following India’s Operation Sindoor in retaliation for the Pahalgam attack in April. In July, the US State Department designated the Resistance Front, the outfit claiming responsibility for the Pahalgam attack, as a terrorist entity. Rubio had noted at the time that the designation reaffirmed US commitment to protecting national security interests, countering terrorism, and ensuring justice for victims of terrorist attacks.

In response to the Red Fort blast, the US State Department’s South and Central Asia Bureau issued a statement expressing condolences to the families affected and stating that Washington is closely monitoring the developments. The statement read: “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.”

US Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor, who was recently appointed, also issued a statement extending condolences and reaffirming the US commitment to supporting India in counterterrorism efforts.

On the Indian side, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh have vowed to bring the conspirators behind the blast to justice. Security agencies, including the National Investigation Agency (NIA), are actively probing the incident, which has been linked to a terror module operating in Haryana and Jammu & Kashmir, with suspected ties to Pakistan-based organizations.

The blast, which targeted the Red Fort area during peak evening hours, caused widespread panic among citizens and disrupted normal life in the national capital. Initial reports indicate the use of a car bomb, with authorities confirming the identification of the vehicle and the prime suspect through DNA evidence. Investigations have revealed that the suspect, Dr. Umar Nabi, meticulously planned the attack and evaded detection across multiple routes before executing the strike.

Rubio’s statements reflect the US interest in maintaining regional stability in South Asia, particularly in light of India-Pakistan tensions. While Washington has consistently condemned terrorism and expressed support for India’s counterterrorism measures, it is also closely observing diplomatic channels to ensure that the situation does not escalate into broader conflict.

The Red Fort blast has reignited concerns about cross-border terrorism, the presence of radicalized networks in India, and the vulnerability of iconic public spaces. Indian authorities continue to coordinate with central intelligence and law enforcement agencies to neutralize potential threats and dismantle the networks involved.

The ongoing investigation and subsequent arrests have been a focus of international attention, with the US emphasizing the importance of a thorough, fact-based inquiry. Rubio’s engagement demonstrates Washington’s balanced approach: acknowledging India’s sovereignty and capability while remaining vigilant about any developments that could affect regional security and stability.

As India continues its probe, the US has reiterated its support for India in counterterrorism efforts while calling for careful diplomacy to prevent escalation with Pakistan. The outcome of the investigation, along with international scrutiny, is likely to shape the next steps in India-US cooperation on security and counterterrorism in South Asia.