Joint condemnation of Pahalgam attack issued following Jaishankar's appeal for understanding India's firm stand against terrorism
In a significant display of solidarity, the Quad nations - the United States, Australia, Japan, and India - have unequivocally condemned terrorism and expressed their firm support for India's right to defend itself following the devastating Pahalgam attack in April. The attack, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians, mostly tourists, was carried out by Pakistan-backed terrorists.
During the Quad Foreign Ministers Meeting held on July 1, 2025, in Washington D.C., India's External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, emphasized the importance of India's position on this matter. He urged Quad partners to understand and appreciate India's stance, stating, "victims and perpetrators must never be equated" and that the world must demonstrate "zero tolerance" for terrorism.
The other Quad members - the US, represented by Secretary of State Marco Rubio; Australia, by Foreign Minister Penny Wong; and Japan, by Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya - stood alongside India in this statement, signaling collective solidarity. Counterterrorism remains a core focus within the Quad agenda, reinforcing their joint commitment to a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific and regional stability.
This meeting was the first ministerial gathering of the Quad after the Pahalgam attack and India's decisive counterterrorism operation, "Operation Sindoor". The upcoming Quad leaders' summit later in 2025, hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is expected to further underline these themes in coordination with leaders from the US, Australia, and Japan.
In summary, the Quad nations collectively condemn terrorism unequivocally, reaffirming zero tolerance. They support India's right to self-defense against terrorism, emphasize the importance of distinguishing between victims and perpetrators, prioritize counterterrorism as a key element of their strategic partnership, and commit to maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
Jaishankar made statements before the Quad foreign ministers' meeting, stating that Pakistan should not be involved in any talks beyond ending terrorism. He also expressed that India expects its Quad partners to understand and respect its stance against terrorism. The Quad foreign ministers' meeting was the first since Operation Sindoor in May.
Jaishankar described the Quad meeting as "very productive" and discussed ways to make the Quad more effective in dealing with today's key challenges and opportunities. He also emphasized that countries in the region should have the freedom to make their own choices about development and security.
The Quad (India, US, Australia, Japan) issued a joint statement condemning the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, J&K, and called for the perpetrators, organizers, and financiers of the attack to be brought to justice without delay. The meeting marked good progress in recent months in areas like maritime cooperation, logistics, education, and political coordination, according to Jaishankar.
As the Quad nations continue their efforts to combat terrorism and maintain regional stability, the upcoming leaders' summit later in 2025 promises to further solidify their commitment to these shared goals.
- The Quad's policy-and-legislation framework unequivocally condemns war-and-conflicts-related acts like terrorism, reaffirming a policy of zero tolerance.
- As a result of the Pahalgam attack, the Quad nations support India's right to defend itself financially, and politically, in the general-news domain.
- In the market of crime-and-justice, the Quad nations emphasize the distinction between victims and perpetrators, ensuring that the latter are prosecuted for their defi (delinquent) actions.
- The Quad's strategic partnership prioritizes counterterrorism measures, focusing on maintaining a stable and secure Indo-Pacific region, aligning with global politics' main concerns.
