On November 10, a blast ripped through Delhi's Red Fort, killing at least 10 people and injuring over 20. The Centre has officially declared the blast a "terror attack." Investigators are probing the case under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and explosives laws.
Now, as investigators continue to probe further about the Red Fort blast that rattled the heart of the national capital, early findings have pointed to links between the accused and a wider network of radicalised operatives. Major Western media outlets closely monitored the incident, focusing on the casualties, the government's response, and the regional implications.
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Here’s how big Western media outlets covered the blast:
New York Times
The New York Times has published three stories since the blast. Early reporting, under the headline 'Car Explodes in Crowded Delhi Neighbourhood Killing 8,' focused on the initial impact and casualties. A follow-up story, 'Modi Vows Justice as Police Suspect Terrorism in Deadly New Delhi Blast,' reflected Prime Minister Narendra Modi's pledge that "the conspirators behind this will not be spared" and included details of the National Investigation Agency and Home Ministry's involvement. Another story, 'India is Investigating a Deadly Car Explosion. Here's What to Know,' gave context for the investigation, including possible ties to militant groups and how this could affect regional tensions.
The Washington Post
The Washington Post titled the blast 'New Delhi Car Blast Investigated as Possible Terrorism, Indian Police Say'. The story was reported based on police findings, forensic analysis, and statements from senior officials. While it refrained from labelling the blast as terrorism, WaPo noted that the probe is conducted under anti-terror laws and included traces.
The Post included commentary from Christopher Clary, associate professor at the University at Albany, who said the geopolitical situation between India and Pakistan “seems calm so far” but added that “whoever India blames for the attacks will provide some signal about the likelihood of military clashes with Pakistan.”
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Daily Mail, Fox News and LA Times
The Daily Mail focused on human impact, reporting 'At Least Eight Killed as Car Explodes Near New Delhi's Red Fort Tourist Attraction.' Fox News highlighted national security under 'India on Alert After Delhi Blast.' The LA Times covered eyewitness accounts and disruption to heritage areas in 'Car Blast Near New Delhi's Historic Red Fort Kills at Least 8 People, India's Police Say.'
Al Jazeera
However, not a Western outlet, Al Jazeera ran seven articles. Coverage included headlines such as 'Delhi Red Fort Blast Kills 13: What Happened as Police Invoke ‘Terror’ Law?' and 'India Says Deadly Car Blast Was ‘Terror’ Attack by Anti-National Forces.'
Al Jazeera even called the Delhi blast a "terror attack" even before FSL or the Centre has officially announced anything.
Al Jazeera quoted political scientist Sumantra Bose, who said the government’s labelling “shied away from naming and blaming Pakistan, which was a rather reflexive reaction for decades,” and noted that public anger is increasingly being directed “towards an enemy within.” A Kashmiri student association leader, Nasir Khuehami, was also cited, saying: “Across northern Indian states, Kashmiris are being asked to vacate their homes, there is active profiling going on, and everyone is so scared.”
