In a significant diplomatic achievement for New Delhi, the foreign ministers of the Quad alliance — which includes India, the United States, Japan, and Australia — denounced the April 22 terrorist incident in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, that claimed the lives of 26 civilians, urging that those responsible, including organisers and financiers, be prosecuted swiftly.
In a joint statement released following their gathering in Washington, the Quad foreign ministers emphasized their firm stance against all types of terrorism and violent extremism, including transnational terrorism.
“We strongly condemn the terrorist assault in Pahalgam. We demand that the offenders, planners, and funders of this appalling act be held accountable promptly, and we encourage all UN Member States to actively collaborate with the appropriate authorities in accordance with their responsibilities under international law and pertinent UNSCRs,” the joint statement stated.
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The grouping conveyed its sincerest condolences to the victims’ families and offered its warm wishes for a quick and complete recovery to everyone who was injured.
Later in the statement, the ministers called on all United Nations member states to “meet their obligations under international law and pertinent UN Security Council resolutions to actively support authorities probing the attack”.
The QUAD Meeting
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Japan’s Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya, and Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong took part in the Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting at the US Department of State on Tuesday.
The gathering of leaders from the four nations centered on various regional and international matters, including initiatives against terrorism. The group reiterated its dedication to a free and open Indo-Pacific.
Conversations also took place regarding the opportunities and challenges in the Indo-Pacific and how they can better leverage the strengths and resources of the QUAD to promote peace, security, and prosperity.
