New Delhi: Elevating counter-terrorism as a central pillar of their strategic partnership, the Quad nations on Tuesday explicitly addressed cross-border terrorism and its state sponsors, while also unveiling broader frameworks for maritime domain awareness in the Indo-Pacific, digital connectivity, and supply chain resilience.
The security-focused agenda dominated the 11th Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, hosted by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar at Hyderabad House. The meeting brought together US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, and Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, reflecting a coordinated approach toward building a resilient regional order.
Speaking at a media briefing after the meeting, Additional Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs Nagaraj Naidu outlined the key security priorities discussed by the leaders, stressing that the grouping is strengthening collective responses to asymmetric threats.
He underlined that while maritime security and digital connectivity remain important pillars of Quad cooperation, countering transnational security threats continues to be a fundamental priority for member nations.
“Counter-terrorism is a significant pillar of Quad cooperation. The ministers strongly condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including cross-border terrorism. The joint statement specifically condemned the terrorist attack in Pahalgam in April 2025 and reiterated the need for decisive international action against terrorist entities and their financial sponsors,” Naidu said.
In a firm collective stance, the Quad nations condemned recent terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir and Sydney and reaffirmed their commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.
The joint statement issued after the meeting stated that the grouping “unequivocally” condemns terrorism in all its forms, including cross-border terrorism. It specifically referenced the April 22, 2025 attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, and the December 14, 2025 attack at Bondi Beach in Australia.
It further called for sustained and decisive international efforts to combat terrorism in accordance with international law, including action against globally designated terrorist organisations, their affiliates, proxies, sponsors, and financiers.
The statement also highlighted growing concerns over the misuse of emerging technologies by extremist groups and reaffirmed commitment to strengthen cooperation with international and regional partners to enhance capabilities to prevent, detect, and respond to such threats.
Addressing the media, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said that the Quad countries had placed strong emphasis on dismantling terror networks.
“There must be zero tolerance for terrorism, and nations subjected to terrorist attacks have the right to defend themselves,” he said.
Beyond counter-terrorism, the Quad reiterated its vision of a “free and open Indo-Pacific” and opposed any unilateral or coercive actions aimed at altering the regional status quo.
The ministers also expressed concern over tensions in the South China Sea and East China Sea, particularly unsafe maritime activities such as blocking manoeuvres, ramming incidents, and the use of water cannons.
On global trade security, the Quad underlined the importance of ensuring uninterrupted movement of commerce through critical sea lanes such as the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea. The statement rejected any coercive measures inconsistent with international maritime law, including attempts to impose tolls on international shipping routes.
The declaration also highlighted emerging non-traditional security challenges, including cybercrime, scam networks, and transnational organised crime in Southeast Asia. It reaffirmed support for ASEAN centrality and regional stability mechanisms.
The reference to the Pahalgam attack recalled the incident of April 22, 2025, when terrorists attacked a tourist village in Jammu and Kashmir, killing 26 civilians. The incident triggered widespread condemnation and heightened security concerns across the region.
Following the attack, India carried out Operation Sindoor on May 7, 2025, targeting terror infrastructure across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. According to official reports, multiple terror launchpads linked to groups such as Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed, and Hizbul Mujahideen were destroyed, with significant militant casualties reported.
Subsequent escalation included drone strikes and shelling from across the border, leading to a four-day military confrontation between India and Pakistan. India responded with retaliatory strikes, including attacks on radar installations in Lahore and Gujranwala.
Following heavy losses, Pakistan’s Director General of Military Operations contacted his Indian counterpart, resulting in a ceasefire agreement on May 10.
India also conducted Operation Mahadev, in which security forces eliminated three terrorists involved in the Pahalgam attack.
In addition to military actions, India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty and halted bilateral trade with Pakistan.