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Delhi on High Alert After Deadly Blast Near Red Fort
SITUATION SUMMARY | Intelligence cut off: 15:30 BST 10 NOVEMBER 2025
At approximately 19:05 local time, 10 November, an explosion occurred near the Red Fort in a densely populated area of Delhi. At least eight people were killed and 12 others injured, according to hospital officials. Multiple casualties were brought to Lok Nayak (LNJP) Hospital.
The explosion appeared to take place inside a vehicle and set multiple other vehicles alight. Videos on social media show a large fire on a congested street close to the Red Fort metro station gate number one.
Delhi has been placed on high alert following the blast. An investigation is underway into the cause of the explosion. Police cordoned off the area, and several firefighting vehicles and ambulances were dispatched to the scene. The National Security Guard (NSG), the National Investigation Agency (NIA), formed after the 26/11 2008 Mumbai attacks, and the forensic department were also dispatched.
The Uttar Pradesh region bordering Delhi and Mumbai in the Maharashtra region have been placed on high alert. Instructions have reportedly been issued to all senior officials to increase security and patrols at sensitive religious sites, sensitive districts, and border areas. Security agencies have also been alerted, and the police have been put on alert.
The Deputy Inspector General of Police, Central Reserve Police Force (DIG CRPF) has stated that it is “too early to say anything” regarding the cause of the explosion.
INTELLIGENCE ANALYSIS
Attack Near Red Fort Likely Aimed at Maximising Casualties and Visibility
The Red Fort, also known as the Lal Qila, is a Mughal-era fort located in the old city and is a popular tourist destination with heavy foot traffic. The location of the blast in the area and near a traffic hub likely suggests that, if the explosion is terrorism-related, its perpetrators sought to maximise civilian casualties while also obtaining maximum visibility for their actions.
While a possible terrorist link has not been confirmed by authorities as of the time of reporting, the incident occurred only hours after two separate terror plots were reportedly thwarted by Indian authorities. On the night of 9-10 November, Indian police reported the arrest of seven individuals in Faridabad, part of the Delhi National Capital Region, who were reportedly found in possession of approximately 360 kilograms of explosive material and a “large cache of arms and ammunition”. Authorities reported that the suspects were linked to Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), a separatist-Islamist group based in Kashmir.
On 9 November, three individuals were arrested in Gujarat and found in possession of several firearms and approximately 4 kilograms of ricin precursors. Indian authorities have suggested that they had had links with an Afghanistan-based operative of the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP). In late October, Indian authorities had already arrested two suspected ISKP-linked operatives for planning attacks in New Delhi on Diwali.
If the Red Fort blast is confirmed as terrorism, there is a realistic possibility that the attack is linked to the reported foiled plots, with the perpetrators seeking to quickly conduct an attack due to the increased threat of discovery. Moreover, confirmation of an act of terrorism, particularly if linked to JeM, would highly likely increase tensions between India and Pakistan.
Transport disruptions are highly likely following the blast, with potential closures to the metro and likely road closures in the area. Furthermore, there is highly likely to be a heightened security presence in Delhi and other major cities, with increased checkpoints.
Travel and Safety Guidance for Delhi
- Closely monitor local news reports and government alerts.
- Adhere to all instructions issued by authorities.
- Avoid the Red Fort and the surrounding areas. Allocate additional time for all travel in the vicinity of the incident area.
- Avoid travel on public transport and particularly on the Violet Line (which serves Lal Qila and is likely to be severely disrupted).
- Heed evacuation orders and travel to government-issued meeting points if ordered to do so.
- Ensure you are carrying the necessary documents.
- Prepare an emergency ‘go bag’ with essentials such as bottled water, batteries, important documents, and medications.
- Consider alternative working arrangements (i.e. remote work) if possible.
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