No blame: Why India is being cautious with accusations after Delhi blast

"In May after four days of fighting with Pakistan, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared any future act of terror will be treated as an act of war by his government. New Delhi had blamed Islamabad for an attack in Indian-administered Kashmir's Pahalgam in April that killed 25 tourists. Islamabad denied India's allegations, but in early May, India launched aerial attacks deep inside Pakistani territory, sparking a brief but intense air war in which the South Asian neighbours bombed each other's military bases."

"Then on Monday, India's capital, New Delhi, was shaken by a large explosion near the Red Fort, the Mughal-era monument that's a symbol of political power in the world's most populous nation. At least 13 people were killed and two dozen wounded. The Indian government is investigating the incident as a terrorist attack. The inquiry is being led by the National Investigation Agency, which is mandated to probe terrorism-related cases. Authorities have also invoked stringent counterterrorism charges in trying to track down those behind the explosion."

"But two days after the blast, Indian political leaders and security officials have not formally described the blast as an act of terrorism. And while Pakistan blamed India for a deadly explosion in Islamabad on Tuesday, India has so far studiously avoided accusing Pakistan of being responsible for the blast in New Delhi a day earlier."

India declared in May that any future terror attack will be treated as an act of war, setting a low threshold for military response against Pakistan. New Delhi had blamed Islamabad for an April attack in Pahalgam that killed 25 tourists; Pakistan denied involvement. In early May India launched aerial strikes inside Pakistani territory, prompting a brief air war and a subsequent ceasefire after four days. A large explosion near New Delhi's Red Fort killed at least 13 people and injured two dozen. The National Investigation Agency is leading a terrorism probe and stringent counterterrorism charges have been invoked. Political leaders have not formally labeled the blast terrorism, and India has avoided accusing Pakistan of responsibility.

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