In a significant diplomatic endorsement for India, the foreign ministers of the Quad alliance—India, the United States, Japan, and Australia—issued a strong joint condemnation of the April 22 terrorist assault in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, that left 26 civilians dead. They urged that those behind the attack—planners, funders, and executors—be swiftly brought to justice.
The statement was released following the Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting held in Washington, where the leaders unanimously reaffirmed their firm stance against all forms of terrorism, including cross-border violence and extremist ideologies.
"We unequivocally denounce the terrorist strike in Pahalgam. Immediate accountability must follow, and we urge all UN member states to uphold their international obligations and support relevant authorities in prosecuting those responsible,” the joint declaration said.
The four-nation alliance expressed its condolences to the victims' families and extended support to those wounded in the attack. The ministers also emphasized their shared resolve to continue cooperating closely on counterterrorism initiatives.
The statement called on countries worldwide to honour the terms of international law and relevant UN Security Council resolutions to ensure coordinated efforts in fighting terrorism.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Japan’s Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya, and Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong were present at the Quad talks held at the U.S. Department of State on Tuesday. The leaders discussed a range of geopolitical and regional issues, with a sharp focus on strengthening joint counterterrorism capabilities.
On the sidelines of the meeting, Jaishankar held separate discussions with Secretary Rubio. The two exchanged views on the India-U.S. strategic partnership and pressing global issues.
Speaking at the event, Jaishankar underscored India’s zero-tolerance policy toward terrorism and referred to the country’s robust response to the Pahalgam incident.
"The world must clearly differentiate between victims and perpetrators of terror. India has the absolute right to safeguard its people, and we will do so with full conviction. We expect our partners in the Quad to stand with us on this," Jaishankar said.
The deadly assault occurred when gunmen opened fire on tourists in the scenic Baisaran meadow near Pahalgam, killing 26 and injuring several others. Investigations linked the attackers to terror outfits operating from across the border.
India responded decisively with ‘Operation Sindoor’ on May 7, targeting nine terror-related facilities in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir through pinpoint military strikes. Pakistan retaliated the next night with drone swarms and artillery fire targeting Indian positions along the border in Jammu, Kashmir, and Punjab. However, Indian forces successfully neutralised the offensive and responded with further precision strikes, prompting Islamabad to seek a ceasefire.
After three days of high-intensity conflict, a formal truce was established through military-level talks between the two nations.
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