US, China, Sri Lanka 'deeply saddened' by loss of lives in Delhi blast

Beijing/Washington, Nov 11 (PTI) The US, China, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Israel, Ireland and Nepal on Tuesday said they were "deeply saddened" by the tragic loss of lives in an explosion in the Indian capital that killed at least 12 people and wounded several others.

A powerful explosion ripped through a slow-moving car at a traffic signal near the Red Fort metro station on Monday evening, killing nine people and injuring 20 others. The death toll rose to 12 on Tuesday, with three more people succumbing to injuries, police said.

Expressing condolences over the deadly explosion, the US said it continues to closely monitor the situation.

"Our hearts are with those affected by the terrible explosion in New Delhi. We continue to closely monitor the situation. Our sincere condolences to the families who lost their loved ones. Praying for the speedy recovery of those injured,” the State Department’s Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs said in a post on X Monday.

China expressed shock over the bomb blast in Delhi. “We are shocked by the incident,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian told a media briefing in Beijing, replying to a question.

He conveyed condolences to the victims, extended sincere sympathies to the families of the deceased and the injured, and wished the injured a speedy recovery.

“Saddened by news of the explosion in Delhi last evening. Sri Lanka stands in solidarity with the people of India. Our thoughts are with all those affected,” Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said in a social media post.

Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu said he was “deeply saddened by the tragic loss of lives" in the blast near Red Fort in Delhi.

“Our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and good wishes for swift recovery of the injured. The Maldives stands in solidarity with the people and Government of India in this difficult time,” Muizzu said on X.

Nepal’s interim Prime Minister Sushila Karki expressed her “deepest condolences to the bereaved families and prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured”.

“Nepal stands in solidarity with India in this hour of grief,” she said.

Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar extended his deepest condolences to the people of India, especially to the families of the innocent victims killed in the blast.

“Israel stands with India in its fight against terror,” he said on X.

Ireland’s Deputy Prime Minister Simon Harris said he was deeply saddened by the tragic explosion in Delhi.

“Our thoughts are with all those who lost their lives, the injured, and their families. We offer our full support and solidarity with the people and Government of India at this difficult time,” he said.

Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath also expressed solidarity with India.

“Saddened by news of the explosion in Delhi this evening. Sri Lanka stands in solidarity with the people of India. Our thoughts are with all those affected,” he said in a social media post.

Sri Lanka’s Leader of Opposition Sajith Premadasa also expressed his shock and said all should "unite to eradicate the scourge of terrorism".

“Our thoughts and prayers are with those who were impacted by this dastardly attack,” he said. PTI GSP GSP