Large Car Bomb Kills Dozens in New Delhi, India

What Happened?

On Monday, a car bomb detonated in the Indian capital of New Delhi, killing dozens and injuring many more. The vehicle carrying the bomb came to a stop near the historic Red Fort, a frequent tourist destination in New Delhi, before exploding. India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the attack a ‘horrific incident’ and vowed that ‘all those responsible will be brought to justice.’

At least thirty other people were ‘badly injured’ in the blast, according to Dr. Manish Kumar Jha, a doctor who works at nearby Lok Nayak Hospital. ‘Many are not in a position of recovering,’ he told reporters. 

Why it Matters

The attack has sent a wave of fear across India, triggering additional security at train stations, airports, and major tourist spots in the country. No group or organization has yet claimed responsibility for the attack, which took place near the Red Fort, which has enormous historical significance for India.

Originally constructed by Emperor Shah Jahan as the primary palace of his capital, it served as the main residence of Mughal emperors for nearly 200 years. The fort is also located just a few miles from India’s parliament. Traditionally, Indian prime ministers deliver their annual Independence Day speeches from the Red Fort’s ramparts. The proximity of the blast to India’s parliament and near such a national historical symbol suggests the motive could have been of a political nature.

Terrorist attacks are relatively rare in India, which is one reason why this one has received so much attention. Police in Delhi have invoked an anti-terrorism law, indicating they believe the car bomb was a terrorist attack. According to Al Jazeera, Indian police used closed-circuit television cameras to retrace the route of the vehicle used to transport the bomb, and in so doing, they have traced its original starting point, though the exact location has not yet been made public.

The investigation itself is critical because who gets blamed for the bombing in Delhi could have a significant impact on the future security situation in India. If Indian government authorities blame the attack on Muslims or Muslim affiliated groups, it is possible that accusation could trigger anti-Muslim violence across India. Political tensions between Hindu-nationalists and India’s sizeable Muslim population have been simmering for years, and this type of attack could escalate those tensions into sectarian violence.

There have been numerous incidents of sectarian violence in the past two decades in India, and in some locations, authorities have been accused of participating instead of trying to restore order.

How it Affects You

India is now the world’s most populous nation, having surpassed China several years ago. A new wave of sectarian violence in India could upend the lives of millions of people and create instability in central Asia.