Did Rubio Label the Delhi Blast a Terrorist Attack?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Marco Rubio condemned the Delhi bombing as a terrorist attack.
- India's investigation received praise for its professionalism.
- The blast resulted in eight deaths and more than twenty injuries.
- India's union cabinet emphasized urgency in the investigation.
- US offered assistance but trusts India's capabilities.
Hamilton (Canada), Nov 13 (NationPress) US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has described the bombing near the Red Fort as a “terrorist attack” and recognized India’s “exceptionally professional” investigation.
“This was undoubtedly a terrorist attack. A vehicle packed with highly explosive materials detonated, resulting in numerous casualties,” he stated during a press conference on Wednesday.
“It was a vehicle filled with highly explosive materials that exploded, leading to a tragic loss of life,” he reiterated.
Praising India's response to the incident, he mentioned that they “deserve commendation; they have approached this investigation with great caution and professionalism”.
“They are conducting the investigation quite effectively,” he remarked, adding, “and I believe they will share the findings once they have them.”
The US has extended an offer to assist in the investigation, but Rubio expressed confidence in India's capabilities, saying “they are more than capable of managing these inquiries without our assistance”.
Previously, he and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, both attending the G7 foreign ministers’ conference in Canada, had a meeting.
Jaishankar characterized their discussion as “productive” in a post on platform X, expressing gratitude for Rubio’s condolences regarding the casualties from the Delhi blast.
On Monday, a car bomb exploded near the Red Fort in Delhi, resulting in eight fatalities and injuring over twenty individuals.
The union cabinet of India has labeled it a terrorist attack, stating in a resolution, “This nation has endured a vile terror incident, orchestrated by anti-national elements, through a vehicular explosion.”
The resolution further underscores, “The cabinet mandates that the investigation into this incident be conducted with the highest urgency and professionalism, ensuring that those responsible, along with their associates and backers, are swiftly identified and brought to justice.”
When asked about his concerns regarding escalating tensions between India and Pakistan due to the attack, Rubio acknowledged, “We are aware of the potential implications.”
Addressing fears of escalating tensions, he lauded India's “calm and methodical” approach to the investigation.
Jaishankar added that during his dialogue with Rubio, they “explored our bilateral relations, focusing on trade and supply chain issues.”
Trump remarked on Monday that India and the US are “very close” to finalizing a trade agreement “that benefits everyone.”
Jaishankar noted that he and Rubio also “shared perspectives on the Ukraine conflict, the situation in the Middle East/West Asia, and the Indo-Pacific region.”