New Delhi: The US embassy in India faced sharp criticism on social media after its message of “thoughts and prayers” for the victims of the Delhi blast came a day late and made no mention of terrorism — a stark contrast to the US embassy in Pakistan’s statement expressing “solidarity” and explicitly condemning terrorism after an explosion in Islamabad.
On Monday, a car bomb exploded near Delhi’s Red Fort, killing nine people and injuring dozens. The following day, the US embassy in India posted on X:
It took the US Embassy in India nearly a day to tweet condolences for the terror attack here, but the US Embassy in Pakistan was quicker for the Pakistani attack. It seems terror in India is viewed through a different prism than elsewhere. pic.twitter.com/9vVyCdRrgL
— Shiva Mudgil (@shivamudgil) November 11, 2025
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of those who were lost in the terrible explosion in New Delhi last night. We wish a swift recovery to those who were injured. — Ambassador Sergio Gor.”
The delayed post triggered backlash from Indian users, who accused the US of downplaying a terror attack on Indian soil. Critics noted that the embassy’s message lacked the word “terrorism”, despite police confirming that the blast was caused by explosives planted in a car.
In contrast, the US embassy in Islamabad was quick to respond to a blast in Pakistan on Tuesday, posting:
“The United States stands in solidarity with Pakistan in the struggle against terrorism… We condemn this attack and all forms of terrorism and remain committed to supporting the Government of Pakistan’s efforts to ensure peace and stability in their nation.”
Online Backlash in India
Social media users and geopolitical commentators accused Washington of “double standards”.
“It took the US Embassy in India nearly a day to tweet condolences for the terror attack here, but the US Embassy in Pakistan was quicker for the Pakistani attack. It seems terror in India is viewed through a different prism,” said banker Shiva Mudgil on X.
Another user, Sheffali Singh, wrote:
“It’s disappointing to see the US embassy address this tragedy without calling it what it was — a terrorist attack. Immediate and strong condemnation is essential.”
Wider Context
The controversy comes amid already strained US–India trade ties, following Washington’s tariffs on Indian goods over energy purchases from Russia.
While US President Donald Trump has called India an “important strategic partner” in the Indo-Pacific, his recent comments praising Pakistan’s army chief Asim Munir as his “favourite Field Marshal” drew sharp reactions from Indian analysts.
Trump has also repeatedly claimed he “prevented a major India–Pakistan conflict” after Operation Sindoor, a statement that Indian officials have neither confirmed nor supported.
Former R&AW Chief’s Warning
Adding to the debate, former R&AW chief Vikram Sood recently described the US as a “distant threat” to India, advising policymakers to study Washington’s strategy more carefully.
“We haven’t studied the US properly. We are perfunctory about it. Time Magazine and Voice of America give an impression — but that’s not understanding America,” Sood said in an interview to NDTV.
He added that the US’ use of tariffs was a way to assert dominance amid fears of losing global leadership:
“They want to show they’re still number one. But such policies often backfire — when you raise tariffs, you also raise prices at home.”
Looking Ahead
The US embassy in New Delhi has not issued any clarification on the language of its post. Meanwhile, the contrast between the two statements — “thoughts and prayers” for India versus “solidarity and condemnation of terrorism” for Pakistan — continues to stir debate over America’s diplomatic tone in South Asia.