India has formally labelled the recent car explosion near the Red Fort in New Delhi as a “terrorist incident,” yet notably did not immediately blame Pakistan, a departure from its usual response after attacks. The November 10 blast killed at least 13 people and injured over 20.

Investigators are probing links to arrests in Indian-administered Kashmir and a massive seizure of explosives in Faridabad.

While the federal cabinet issued a resolution calling the incident “a heinous terror incident, perpetrated by anti-national forces,” the reaction matched earlier comments by Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi, who spoke of a “conspiracy,” warned that “the conspirators will not be spared,” and said, “All those responsible will be brought to justice.”

Meanwhile, social-media users seized on the shift in tone—one joked that “software updated successfully installed on the Modi government by the Pak army.”

Despite the passage of four days, the Modi administration has cautiously steered away from its earlier practice of immediately blaming Pakistan for any terror activities—that too within minutes of an attack—and the internet believes it could have something to do with the thrashing India was handed out by Pakistan in May’s military clashes.

Analysts indicate the change may stem from India’s own public commitment earlier this year that future terror attacks would be treated as acts of war—a stance that now carries heavy diplomatic and strategic weight.