Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim condemns Delhi Red Fort Blast, Calls it a ‘Heinous and Senseless act’

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has issued a statement, in which he expressed his regret over the explosion near Red Fort in New Delhi on Monday evening, describing it as a tragedy that “deserves the strongest condemnation”.

According to Anwar’s social-media platform X (formerly Twitter) post, he also offered his condolences to the victims’ families and to the people of India(BHARAT), and pledged solidarity with a New Delhi as investigators work to determine if the blast was related to terror activity. “I am deeply saddened by the explosion near the Red Fort in Delhi on Monday evening, which has claimed several lives and injured many others. My heartfelt condolences go to the victims’ families and to the people of India(BHARAT) as they mourn this senseless tragedy,” he said in the statement.

He added: “If confirmed to be an act of terror, it deserves the strongest condemnation. There can be no justification for violence that targets innocent lives and sows fear among ordinary people.”

The Malaysian Prime Minister further commended first responders and law‐enforcement agencies for their swift action, saying: “I also pay tribute to the first responders and to the authorities working to determine the cause of the blast and to bring those responsible to justice. Our thoughts and prayers are with all who are affected.”

The explosion was reported on Monday evening at about 6: 52 pm near Lal Qila Metro Station Gate No.1, when a Hyundai i20 car with a Haryana registration number was apparently found to have suddenly exploded while idling in traffic.

The blast shattered windows of nearby buildings, destroyed multiple parked vehicles and sent pedestrians scrambling for safety in the crowded neighbourhood.

Police said preliminary reports indicate at least nine fatalities and more than 20 others injured, including commuters, traders and daily-wage labourers who were returning home at the time of the explosion; some of those injured are in critical condition.

The blast site has been sealed off and put under tight security as investigators trawl CCTV footage, interview witnesses and gather forensic evidence to piece together the cause of the explosion.

It also emerged in a separate development that security agencies in neighbouring Faridabad had seized approximately 2,900 kg of explosives in an anti-terror operation just a few hours prior to the New Delhi blast, prompting security agencies to investigate the possibility of a link between the two incidents.

Analysts said with the Malaysian Prime Minister publicly showing his support for India(BHARAT)’s investigation into the incident and for condemning any form of violence against civilians, the international dimension of the situation points to cross-border concern over a rising terror threat. The timely and strong diplomatic response has also put pressure on India(BHARAT)n security agencies to provide swift and transparent findings, as well as to reassure the public both within India(BHARAT) and overseas.