At a crucial juncture in global geopolitics, the four-nation Quadrilateral Security Dialogue comprising India, the United States, Japan, and Australia convened in Washington DC for the latest edition of the Quad Foreign Ministers Meeting.

Against the backdrop of growing regional tensions and persistent threats of terrorism, the Quad nations reaffirmed their commitment to counterterrorism cooperation, maritime security, and a free and open Indo-Pacific. One of the most powerful moments of the summit was the unequivocal condemnation of the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, and renewed calls for global accountability.

Condemnation of Pahalgam Attack and Terrorism

The four-nation Quad grouping came together to condemn the Pahalgam terrorist attacks and express concern about China’s aggressive military activities during the Washington DC meet. The grouping includes India, America, Japan, and Australia.

“The Quad unequivocally condemns all acts of terrorism and violent extremism in all its forms and manifestations, including cross-border terrorism, and renews our commitment to counterterrorism cooperation,” the four nations said in a joint statement, before going on to condemn the Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed the lives of 26 people in April this year.

“We call for the perpetrators, organizers, and financiers of this reprehensible act to be brought to justice without any delay and urge all UN Member States, in accordance with their obligations under international law and relevant UNSCRs, to cooperate actively with all relevant authorities in this regard,” the statement further added.

Earlier on Tuesday, India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized that India reserves the right to defend itself against acts of terror and expects its Quad partners to understand its strategic rationale.

In their joint statement from the July 2 summit—the first since India and Pakistan’s military confrontation in May following Operation Sindoor—the ministers “condemned in the strongest terms” the April 22, 2025 attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam, which resulted in the deaths of 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen, while injuring several others.

“We express our deepest condolences to the families of the victims and extend our heartfelt wishes for a swift and full recovery to all those injured,” the joint statement read.

Key Strategic Initiatives from the Quad Meet

Quad Critical Minerals Initiative

The foreign ministers launched a new flagship initiative to enhance economic security and diversify critical mineral supply chains.

“This new flagship initiative, alongside the high-impact programmes and outcomes the Quad is realising, will enable our four countries to bring economic opportunity and prosperity to our people and the region,” said a readout of the meeting between S. Jaishankar, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, and Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya.

Maritime and Transnational Security Cooperation

The Quad also discussed deepening maritime security cooperation through the Quad Ports of the Future Partnership.

“We will formally launch the Quad Ports of the Future Partnership by hosting a transportation and logistics conference with Indo-Pacific partners in Mumbai in October 2025. The conference will increase knowledge, facilitate dialogue, and exchange experiences on advanced ports and logistics practices; and mobilize government and private sector investments in quality port infrastructure development,” read the statement.

Commitment to a Free and Open Indo-Pacific

The Quad reaffirmed its unwavering support for a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific.

“We underscore our commitment to defending the rule of law, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. As four leading maritime nations in the Indo-Pacific, we are united in our conviction that peace and stability in the maritime domain underpin the security and prosperity of the region. We are committed to a region where all countries are free from coercion and strongly oppose any unilateral actions that seek to change the status quo by force or coercion,” the joint statement asserted.

The 2025 Quad Foreign Ministers Meeting not only showcased the unity of the four democratic nations in the face of terrorism but also laid the groundwork for strategic cooperation in areas vital to regional peace and prosperity.

As India continues to grapple with cross-border terrorism, such firm diplomatic backing from its Quad allies signals stronger collective resolve against threats that challenge sovereignty, peace, and development in the Indo-Pacific.