US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, speaking after the G7 foreign ministers’ meeting in Canada, said that although the US had extended an offer to assist, Indian agencies were fully capable of managing the investigation.
“We’ve offered to help, but they don’t need our help — they’re doing a good job. The Indians need to be commended for how measured, cautious, and professional they’ve been,” Rubio stated.

Rubio confirmed that the explosion was a terrorist attack, involving a car loaded with high-intensity explosives that detonated near the Red Fort on Monday evening. The blast came just hours after Delhi Police dismantled a terror module linked to Jaish-e-Mohammed and Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind, arresting eight suspects, including three doctors.

Rubio said he had spoken to India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar about the incident. Jaishankar later confirmed their discussion, saying he appreciated Rubio’s condolences over the loss of lives. “We also discussed trade, supply chains, and developments in Ukraine and the Indo-Pacific,” Jaishankar shared on social media, describing the interaction as a “good meeting.”

This was the second meeting between the two leaders in two weeks, following their earlier talks at the ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur.

Meanwhile, Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) officials have collected over 40 samples from the blast site. Preliminary findings indicate the use of ammonium nitrate in the explosives. Investigators believe the main accused, Dr. Umar, was in contact with a Turkiye-based handler and was plotting an attack reminiscent of the 2008 Mumbai terror strikes.

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India is also seeking the removal of the additional 25 per cent tariff on Russian oil, stressing that the country should not be singled out. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar raised concerns over “double standards” in access to energy and food supplies during the G20 Foreign Ministers’ meeting.

Jaishankar met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in New York, emphasizing sustained engagement on trade and priority areas. Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer also participated in the discussions, which focused on trade, tariffs, and broader bilateral issues.

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry described the meetings as constructive. Rubio indicated the Trump administration may reconsider the additional Russian oil tariffs on India. MEA officials reiterated that India’s stance remains firm on energy purchases and fairness, highlighting statements urging European nations to curb Russian oil imports without imposing double standards.

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During the meeting, both leaders reviewed key areas of bilateral cooperation, including defense collaboration, emerging technologies, trade opportunities, and regional security concerns. Senator Rubio emphasized that India is not only a vital partner for the U.S. in the Indo-Pacific region but also a key player in maintaining a rules-based international order.

Jaishankar reaffirmed India’s commitment to deepening ties with the United States across multiple sectors, particularly in areas like counterterrorism, climate change, and supply chain resilience. He highlighted the shared democratic values and growing people-to-people connections that continue to strengthen the India-U.S. strategic partnership.

The discussions also touched upon global challenges, including the ongoing conflicts in Europe and the Middle East, and the need for greater cooperation in multilateral forums. Both sides agreed on enhancing collaboration through platforms like the Quad and G20 to address emerging global crises.

With Washington describing India as a “pillar of stability” in an uncertain geopolitical landscape, the meeting reinforced the significance of New Delhi’s role in shaping a balanced world order. Analysts believe such engagements will further elevate the India-U.S. relationship ahead of key defense and trade negotiations scheduled later this year.

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This revelation comes amidst ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan, which have historically had strained diplomatic relations. The issue of mediation, particularly by the U.S., has been a topic of discussion in recent months, especially after the heightened conflict in Kashmir and the broader regional security concerns.

Ishaq Dar, during his press briefing, underscored that Pakistan continues to advocate for direct dialogue with India, emphasizing that the resolution of critical issues should be handled between the two nations, without external interference. He further pointed out that Pakistan remains committed to peace and stability in the region, and that constructive engagement with India is essential for addressing long-standing disputes, particularly over Kashmir.

The statement from Ishaq Dar highlights the continuing complexity of India-Pakistan relations. While both countries have expressed their willingness to engage in dialogue, the lack of progress on key issues, along with political sensitivities, continues to make such discussions challenging. India’s stance of handling the issue bilaterally reflects its preference for addressing disputes without involving external players, further complicating efforts for broader diplomatic engagement.

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