US Secretary of State Marco Rubio publicly commended India’s handling of the recent Delhi blast investigation, praising the response as “very measured and cautious and very professional.” Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the Group of Seven (G7) foreign ministers’ meeting in Canada, Rubio emphasized that New Delhi’s response demonstrated the robust capability of its security agencies.
The Secretary of State confirmed that the United States had offered assistance with the probe but noted that Indian authorities appeared to be managing the complex investigation efficiently without needing external help.
“We’ve offered to help, but I think they’re very capable in these investigations. They don’t need our help, and they’re doing a good job,” Rubio said, according to media.
Terror Attack Discussion at G7
Rubio, who met with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on the sidelines of the multilateral forum, confirmed that the explosion was a key topic of discussion. Rubio stated that the explosion, which took place near the Red Fort Metro Station on November 10 and killed at least 10 people, was “clearly a terrorist attack” involving “a car loaded with highly explosive materials that detonated and killed a lot of people.”
In a post on X following the meeting, Jaishankar acknowledged the gesture: “Appreciate his condolences on the loss of lives in the blast in Delhi. Discussed our bilateral ties, focusing on trade and supply chains. Exchanged views on the Ukraine conflict, the Middle East/West Asia situation, and the Indo-Pacific.”
The meeting was part of India’s broader diplomatic outreach at the G7, which saw Jaishankar holding talks with foreign ministers from countries including Saudi Arabia, Ukraine, Canada, Mexico, France, Brazil, South Africa, the UK, and Germany.
Regional Tensions and US Stance
Rubio’s remarks regarding India’s competence came amid heightened tensions in the region following a suicide bombing in Islamabad that killed at least 12 people on Tuesday.
- Pakistan’s Blame: Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif immediately blamed the Islamabad attack on “terrorist proxies backed by India,” even though the attack was claimed by a faction of the Pakistani Taliban.
- India’s Dismissal: New Delhi swiftly dismissed the accusations as “baseless and unfounded,” attributing the statement to an “obviously delirious Pakistani leadership.”
When asked if the Delhi explosion could reignite India–Pakistan tensions, Rubio stressed that Washington was “aware of the potential that holds,” but reiterated that India’s response had been measured and commendable, contrasting it with the retaliatory rhetoric elsewhere in the region.
The US Embassy in New Delhi also previously issued a statement of support, with Ambassador Sergio Gor offering condolences and prayers for the victims on November 11.