Washington DC – The Quad nations—India, the United States, Japan, and Australia—issued a strong joint statement on Tuesday condemning the Pahalgam terrorist attack that killed 26 people in April, while also raising serious concerns over China’s growing military assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific region.
Meeting in Washington for the Quad Foreign Ministers’ summit, the four countries reaffirmed their unified stance against terrorism and extremism.
“The Quad unequivocally condemns all acts of terrorism and violent extremism in all its forms and manifestations, including cross-border terrorism,” read the joint statement.
“We call for the perpetrators, organizers, and financiers of this reprehensible act to be brought to justice without any delay.”
India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, speaking to the press, reiterated India’s right to defend itself and called on Quad partners to support its counter-terror efforts and strategic imperatives.
China’s Activities Draw Sharp Rebuke
The statement also turned the spotlight on China’s recent aggressive moves in the South and East China Seas, including:
- Live-fire naval drills near Australian waters earlier this year
- Use of water cannons, ramming, and interference with offshore energy operations
- Unsafe maneuvers by Chinese military aircraft and maritime militias
“These actions threaten peace and stability in the region,” the Quad stated, affirming their commitment to freedom of navigation and international law.
North Korea, Myanmar, and New Quad Initiatives
Other regional flashpoints such as North Korea’s missile provocations and the civil war in Myanmar also featured in discussions.
In a bid to streamline operations, the Quad has reorganized around four strategic pillars:
- Maritime and transnational security
- Critical and emerging technologies
- Economic prosperity
- Humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR)
New Announcements Ahead of Leaders’ Summit in India
India is set to host the Quad Leaders’ Summit later this year, and several key initiatives were unveiled ahead of it:
- Quad Critical Minerals Initiative: To secure vital supply chains.
- Joint Airlift & Logistics Exercise: To boost emergency and disaster response.
- Quad Ports of the Future Partnership: To be launched in Mumbai, enhancing port connectivity and smart infrastructure.
🔍 What’s Next?
With the Foreign Ministers’ meeting concluded, the focus now shifts to India’s leadership role at the upcoming Quad Leaders’ Summit. The group aims to counterbalance regional threats, especially amid rising concerns over terrorism and Chinese assertiveness, by reinforcing strategic ties, technological cooperation, and maritime strength.