• India reported a deadly car explosion in Delhi as a terrorist act linked to anti-national forces.
• Authorities have detained multiple suspects in Kashmir who are being investigated for possible connections to the blast.
• The explosion near the historic Red Fort killed at least eight people and injured numerous others.
• The Indian government is pursuing swift investigations under stringent anti-terrorism laws.
• Recent arrests in Kashmir included individuals accused of a white-collar terror ecosystem with connections to militant groups.

In a harrowing incident, a car explosion near the Red Fort in New Delhi was declared a terrorist attack by Indian authorities, resulting in the tragic loss of at least eight lives and injuries to over twenty others. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s cabinet described the event as a "heinous terror incident, perpetrated by anti-national forces," indicating the seriousness with which the government is approaching the investigation. Such a blast, if confirmed as a deliberate act, would mark the deadliest in India's capital since 2011, according to BBC and Al Jazeera.

In the immediate aftermath of the explosion, security agencies launched extensive operations in the Kashmir region, detaining numerous suspects as part of their investigation. Reports indicate that over 500 individuals were questioned, although most were released shortly after. Investigators are particularly focused on potential connections between these detainees and recent arrests linked to a militant cell reportedly operating in the vicinity of Delhi, especially concerning the seizure of a large cache of explosives in Faridabad. These developments underscore the intricate links between terrorism in Delhi and activity in Kashmir, as detailed by South China Morning Post and BBC.

The vehicle involved in the blast, a Hyundai i20, exploded at a busy traffic signal around 18:52 local time on Monday, igniting a fire that destroyed several nearby vehicles. Authorities, including Delhi Police, have stated that investigators are carefully examining every angle, including terrorist motives, accidental ignition, and potential failures within the vehicle itself. Home Minister Amit Shah asserted the government’s commitment to a thorough investigation, ensuring that "all responsible will be brought to justice," with earlier reports suggesting a link to a group operating in the Kashmir region associated with the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Muhammad and Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind. Such claims contribute to ongoing tensions with Islamabad, as reiterated by Al Jazeera and South China Morning Post.

As investigations proceed, authorities have emphasized their resolve to unearth the full network behind this attack, which has heightened public fear and prompted a declaration of high alert across the region. The Red Fort, a key cultural and historical site, remains closed while forensic analysts and law enforcement agencies work diligently to piece together the events surrounding this tragic incident. The involvement of sophisticated terror tactics highlights the persistent security challenges facing the Indian government, as reported by BBC and BBC.