The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad), consisting of India, the United States, Japan, and Australia, has issued a strong condemnation of a recent terror attack in Pahalgam, which resulted in the deaths of 26 individuals. During a Foreign Ministers meeting held in Washington, the group expressed grave concerns not only regarding this violent incident but also about China’s increasingly assertive behavior in the Indo-Pacific region.
In a joint statement, the Quad labeled the Pahalgam attack as a “reprehensible act of terrorism” and called for the swift prosecution of those responsible, including organizers and financiers. The statement emphasized a unified stance against terrorism, stating, “The Quad unequivocally condemns all acts of terrorism and violent extremism in all its forms and manifestations, including cross-border terrorism.”
India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, who held discussions with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the sidelines of the meeting, reiterated India’s right to self-defense and highlighted the importance of Quad partners understanding the strategic imperatives driving India’s counterterrorism efforts.
The ministers also addressed mounting concerns regarding China’s aggressive military activities, particularly in the South and East China Seas. The statement pointed to “dangerous and provocative actions” by Beijing, including the use of water cannons and ramming tactics by Chinese maritime militia, which threaten regional peace and stability. Reports indicate that Japan and Australia have experienced heightened military pressure from China, notably through live-fire naval exercises conducted near Australian waters earlier this year, raising alarms among security analysts.
In addition to these pressing issues, the Quad discussed broader regional challenges, such as the ongoing civil conflict in Myanmar and threats posed by North Korea. To enhance collaboration, the group announced a renewed focus on four key areas: maritime and transnational security, critical and emerging technologies, economic prosperity, and humanitarian assistance.
Among the initiatives revealed was the Quad Critical Minerals Initiative, aimed at securing supply chains for essential resources. Additionally, a new joint training exercise is planned for later this year to improve shared airlift and logistics capabilities. Furthermore, the group announced the forthcoming launch of the “Quad Ports of the Future Partnership” in Mumbai, expected to take place in the coming months.
As India prepares to host the Quad Leaders Summit later this year, there is a growing sense of momentum surrounding deeper strategic cooperation and a collective response to regional threats. The recent meeting signifies a commitment from these nations to work closely in addressing both immediate security challenges and long-term regional stability.
