A major car blast near the historic Red Fort in Delhi has prompted the United States and the United Kingdom to issue security alerts and travel advisories for their citizens. The explosion, which occurred during a bustling evening, has tragically killed at least 11 people and injured upwards of 25. Those hurt were rushed to the nearby LNJP Hospital.
The US Embassy in New Delhi has formally alerted American citizens, recommending they avoid the Red Fort and Chandni Chowk districts, as well as avoid large assemblies of people. They are urged to stay informed by monitoring local news outlets. Maintaining situational awareness and caution in tourist destinations and public venues across the capital is also part of the advisory.
The US Department of State conveyed its solidarity and condolences to those impacted by the ‘terrible explosion’. The Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs noted that the situation is under close observation and wished for the recovery of the injured. The Department of State’s Consular Affairs highlighted that Indian authorities have heightened security across several Indian states following the incident.
In parallel, the UK government has warned its citizens against traveling to specific regions within India. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises against all travel within 10 kilometers of the India-Pakistan border due to potential armed conflict. The FCDO also recommends against all travel to the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir (with specified air travel exceptions to Jammu) and advises against all but essential travel to Manipur due to ongoing ethnic violence. Authorities are investigating the blast, which originated in a car, and are considering all possibilities, including a suicide attack.