President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has extended condolences following a deadly car explosion in the Indian capital, New Delhi, that killed at least nine people and injured 20 others on Monday evening.
“Deeply saddened by the tragic loss of lives in the blast near Red Fort, Delhi this evening,” President Muizzu wrote in a post to X. He offered sympathy to the families of the deceased and the injured, as well as to the government and people of India, stating, “Our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and good wishes for swift recovery of the injured.” He added, “The Maldives stands in solidarity with the people and Government of India in this difficult time.”
The explosion occurred around 7 p.m. local time (1330 GMT), near sunset, when a vehicle came to a halt at a traffic light in the Red Fort area. Police officials confirmed that the blast originated from the slow-moving vehicle as it stopped at the signal.
The force of the detonation ignited nearby vehicles, setting six cars and three auto-rickshaws ablaze. Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause. Security measures were swiftly elevated across India. Mumbai, the country’s most populous city, and Uttar Pradesh, its most populous state, were placed on heightened alert.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the tragedy in a post on X, expressing condolences to the families of those killed and support for the injured. “May the injured recover at the earliest. Those affected are being assisted by authorities,” Modi wrote.
The Red Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of India’s most prominent landmarks and a major tourist destination. It holds deep symbolic significance as the site from which the Prime Minister traditionally addresses the nation on Independence Day.
Although New Delhi is known for its robust security infrastructure, such incidents are considered rare. The city, with a population exceeding 34 million, has experienced similar attacks in the past. Bombings occurred during the 1980s and 1990s, often targeting public gathering areas. The last major incident took place in 2011 outside the Delhi High Court, resulting in the deaths of approximately 12 people. The investigation into Monday’s explosion remains ongoing.