WASHINGTON (Diya TV) — The Quad foreign ministers strongly condemned the deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, that killed 26 people. The attack happened on April 22 and marked one of the worst in the region in recent years.
Ministers from India, the United States, Australia, and Japan met in Washington for their second meeting this year. This was the first since the launch of Operation Sindoor. In their joint statement, they expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and pledged strong support for counterterrorism.
“We condemn in the strongest terms the terrorist attack in Pahalgam,” the statement read. “We extend our condolences to the victims’ families and wish a speedy recovery for the injured.”
The ministers also demanded that the perpetrators, organizers, and financiers of the attack face justice. Moreover, they urged all UN member states to support investigations under international law.
The attack occurred when four gunmen opened fire on tourists in Baisaran Valley, six kilometers from Pahalgam. The Resistance Front, a group linked to Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, carried out the strike. Among the dead were 25 Indian citizens and one Nepali tourist.
India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, and Japan’s Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya attended the meeting. While the statement avoided mention of Ukraine and the Middle East, it highlighted regional concerns critical to India.
Before the talks, Jaishankar said India expected full support from its Quad partners. He emphasized that India would take all steps to protect its people from terrorism.
During the meeting, the ministers also launched key initiatives to boost regional security. One of the major announcements was the Quad Critical Minerals Initiative. This program aims to build secure, reliable supply chains for key minerals, reducing overdependence on any single nation.
In addition, the Quad will host the first Indo-Pacific Logistics Network field training later this year. This exercise will enhance regional disaster response and strengthen shared airlift capabilities. The group also plans to launch the Ports of the Future Partnership in Mumbai.
The ministers reaffirmed their support for a free and open Indo-Pacific. They stressed the importance of international law, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. According to the statement, peace and stability in the maritime domain are vital to the region’s prosperity.
They raised serious concerns over China’s actions in the East China Sea and South China Sea. The Quad opposed any attempt to alter the status quo through force or coercion. They criticized provocative acts like blocking ships, harassing aircraft, using water cannons, and ramming vessels.
Furthermore, the group called for a peaceful resolution of maritime disputes based on the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. The statement cited the 2016 Arbitral Tribunal ruling as a milestone in resolving such disputes.
The Quad also condemned North Korea for its continued missile tests and cyberattacks. Ministers accused Pyongyang of stealing cryptocurrency and using foreign workers to fund illegal weapons programs. They reaffirmed support for enforcing UN sanctions and urged all countries to halt arms trade with North Korea.
Meanwhile, the worsening crisis in Myanmar drew attention. The Quad urged the ruling regime to honor its ceasefire commitment. They also voiced support for ASEAN’s Five Point Consensus to achieve peace and restore stability.
The group called for safe and unhindered humanitarian access across Myanmar. So far, the Quad countries have jointly provided more than $30 million in aid to communities affected by the earthquake in March 2025.
In addition, the ministers committed to countering foreign disinformation and influence operations. They stressed that false narratives threaten regional peace and weaken public trust.
Looking ahead, the Quad will continue its strategic engagement. India will host the next Quad Leaders’ Summit later this year. Australia will hold the following Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in 2026.
