Ontario: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Wednesday termed the blast in Delhi on Monday evening as "clearly" a "terrorist attack," lauding India's professionalism in handling the probe. He commended India for being measured, cautious, and professional throughout the ongoing investigation, stating the explosion was caused by a car loaded with highly explosive materials that killed many.

Rubio revealed he discussed the blast with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar during the G7 Foreign Ministers' Meet in Niagara, Canada.

"The Indians need to be commended. They've been very measured, cautious and very professional on how they're carrying out this investigation. That investigation continues. It clearly was a terrorist attack. It was a car loaded with highly explosive materials that detonated and killed a lot of people."

He added, "I think they are doing a very good job of carrying out an investigation, and I think when they'll have facts, they'll release those facts."

While the US offered assistance, Rubio stressed India’s capability to manage the investigation independently. He acknowledged the potential for the incident to escalate but preferred to await investigative findings.

The blast near Delhi's Red Fort is linked to a "white-collar terror network" with connections to Pakistan-based groups Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) and Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind (AGH). This network, reportedly involving doctors and clerics, was dismantled after coordinated operations between October 19 and November 10, leading to the seizure of 2,921 kg of explosives and multiple arrests.

On Wednesday, the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expressed deep grief over the terror attack victims. It directed the investigation to be conducted with utmost urgency and professionalism to bring the perpetrators, collaborators, and sponsors to justice promptly. The National Investigation Agency is currently investigating the Delhi blast case.

With inputs from ANI