Red Fort blast: Several countries have updated their travel warnings for India after a deadly car explosion near Delhi’s Red Fort on Monday evening. The incident left 13 people dead and 21 others injured. The explosion happened around 6:52 pm, right during rush hour, near the busy Lal Qila Metro Station, an area often crowded with tourists and locals.

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US embassy issues security alert

Soon after the explosion, the US Embassy in New Delhi issued a travel alert, warning Americans in India to stay cautious. “While the cause of the explosion is still unknown, the Government of India has placed several states, including Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Maharashtra, on high alert,” the alert read.

Americans are advised to avoid crowded areas such as Red Fort and Chandni Chowk, stay alert in places popular with tourists, and follow instructions from local authorities. US Ambassador Sergio Gor expressed condolences on X, saying, “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of those who lost their lives in the terrible explosion in New Delhi. We wish a speedy recovery to those injured.”

Canada warns of rising tensions after New Delhi blast

The Canadian government also updated its travel advisory soon after the blast, urging its citizens in India to “exercise a high degree of caution.” The advisory issued by the Government of Canada mentioned that due to recent tensions between India and Canada, there could be protests or negative sentiments toward Canadians in some parts of India. “Demonstrations, including anti-Canada protests, could occur and Canadians may be subjected to intimidation or harassment,” it stated.

Canadians in Delhi were advised to keep a low profile, avoid large gatherings, and not share personal details with strangers. The advisory also mentioned that consular services are temporarily unavailable in and around Bengaluru, Chandigarh, and Mumbai, though they remain open at the High Commission in New Delhi.

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UK tightens travel advice

The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has warned British citizens against all travel to areas within 10 km of the India-Pakistan border. The advisory also asked travellers to avoid visiting Jammu and Kashmir, except for trips to the city of Jammu by air, due to ongoing security concerns. “There has been an explosion at the Red Fort (Lal Qila) Metro Station, New Delhi. If you’re in the immediate area, follow the advice of the local authorities and monitor local media,” read an official statement

The UK advisory further added that travel insurance may not cover those who ignore FCDO’s warnings. It also advised against all but essential travel to Manipur, citing continuing ethnic clashes and curfews in the region. “FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the state of Manipur including the capital, Imphal. Curfews and restrictions continue in parts of Manipur following violent ethnic clashes that broke out in 2023. Intermittent violence continues, including during May to July 2025,” the advisory said.

What happened near Red Fort

According to Delhi Police, the explosion took place in a moving Hyundai i20 car at the Subhash Marg traffic signal near the Red Fort. The car had three people inside. “The blast occurred in a slow-moving vehicle that had stopped at a red light. Nearby vehicles were also damaged,” Delhi Police Commissioner Satish Golcha said, adding that all possibilities, including a terror angle, are being investigated.

Home Minister Amit Shah chaired a high-level meeting with senior officials late Monday night to review the situation. While investigators have not confirmed the cause of the explosion, Delhi Police said they are treating it as a possible terror attack. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) and forensic teams have joined the probe.