Quad 2025: Foreign Ministers Condemn Pahalgam Terror Attack, Demand Justice

The foreign ministers of the Quad grouping, including India, the United States, Japan and Australia, condemned the deadly April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that claimed the lives of 26 civilians and firmly called for the perpetrators, organisers, and financiers to be brought to justice without delay.

Reiterating their unequivocal opposition to terrorism, the leaders issued a joint statement after their meeting in Washington, saying, "We condemn in the strongest terms the terrorist attack in Pahalgam. We call for the perpetrators, organisers, 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 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," it added.

The leaders also expressed their deepest condolences to the families of the victims and extended their heartfelt wishes for a swift and full recovery to all those injured.

Moreover, the ministers also urged all United Nations member states to "fulfil their obligations under international law and relevant UN Security Council resolutions to actively cooperate with authorities investigating the attack".

External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar, along with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Japan’s Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya, and Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, participated in the Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting held at the US Department of State on Tuesday.

"A word about terrorism in the light of our recent experience. The world must display zero tolerance. Victims and perpetrators must never be equated, and India has every right to defend its people against terrorism, and we will exercise that right. We expect our Quad partners to understand and appreciate that," Jaishankar said.

Pahalgam Terror Attack 2025

In a ghastly attack on April 22, terrorists opened fire at tourists in the popular Baisaran meadow area of Pahalgam and killed 26 people, while several others sustained injuries.

In retaliation to the attack by the Pakistan-based terror groups, on May 7, India launched 'Operation Sindoor' targeting nine key terror infrastructures across Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (POK) through precision strikes carried out by the Indian armed forces.

Tensions further intensified as Pakistan retaliated the following night, targeting Indian positions in Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab with swarms of drones and artillery strikes. India successfully repelled all attacks and mounted strong counterstrikes, forcing Islamabad to request a ceasefire.

Following direct military-level talks between New Delhi and Islamabad, the two sides agreed to a formal ceasefire after three days of hostilities.