Indian Government Declares Delhi Blasts 'Terrorist Incident'

A deadly car explosion near New Delhi’s historic Red Fort that killed at least 13 people has triggered a sweeping security crackdown, particularly targeting Kashmiri Muslims, even as the Indian government avoids blaming Pakistan — a notable shift from past practice.

The Modi cabinet denounced the blast as a “heinous terror incident perpetrated by antinational forces”, prompting concerns about how New Delhi might respond under its doctrine that treats terror attacks as acts of war. Yet, unlike earlier this year — when India and Pakistan exchanged missiles after an attack in Pahalgam — officials have refrained from pointing fingers at Islamabad, a move analysts say is aimed at preventing pressure for military escalation.

Instead, police have intensified operations in Indian-administered Kashmir and across the capital region. More than 650 people have been detained, and several Kashmiri doctors — including Umar Nabi, suspected of driving the explosive-laden car — are under investigation. Homes of suspects have been demolished without court orders, a practice criticised by rights groups as collective punishment.

Political observers say New Delhi’s rhetoric, including terms like “antinational forces” and “white-collar terrorism”, risks fuelling Islamophobia and casting suspicion on educated Kashmiri professionals. The blast has already sparked a wave of hate speech and evictions of Kashmiris across northern India, according to student groups.

Analysts warn that the government’s approach may deepen alienation among Kashmiris and further entrench discrimination. Without confidence-building measures, they argue, India risks exacerbating tensions at home while unintentionally strengthening narratives used by Pakistan in the long-standing dispute over Kashmir.