NEW DELHI — In a strong show of solidarity, the foreign ministers of the Quad—comprising India, the United States, Japan, and Australia—issued a joint statement on Tuesday, unequivocally condemning the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, that claimed 26 lives.
The ministers expressed their deepest condolences to the families of the victims, which included 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen, and wished a speedy recovery for those injured in the attack.
“We condemn in the strongest terms the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, 2025, which claimed the lives of 26 people and injured several others. We express our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and extend our wishes for a swift and full recovery to the injured,” the statement read.
The joint declaration further called for swift international action to bring those responsible to justice. It urged all United Nations member states to work in line with international laws and relevant UN Security Council resolutions (UNSCRs) to support investigations and accountability.
“We call for the perpetrators, organizers, and financiers of this heinous act to be held accountable without delay. We urge all UN member states to actively cooperate with relevant authorities, in accordance with their international obligations,” the statement said.
One of the Deadliest Attacks in Recent Times
On April 22, four armed militants from The Resistance Front—a proxy of the Pakistan-based terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba—opened fire on tourists in Baisaran Valley, approximately six kilometers from the popular hill station of Pahalgam. The ambush resulted in one of the deadliest terror incidents in the region in recent years.
Quad’s Focus Areas: Enhancing Regional Security and Cooperation
Beyond the condemnation, the Quad foreign ministers reaffirmed their shared commitment to a secure, stable, and prosperous Indo-Pacific, unveiling a strategic framework focusing on four critical domains:
- Maritime and Transnational Security
- Economic Prosperity and Supply Chain Resilience
- Critical and Emerging Technologies
- Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief
Key Initiatives Announced
Quad Critical Minerals Initiative:
Aimed at ensuring a secure and resilient supply of essential minerals across the Indo-Pacific, this initiative will see member countries work together to diversify sourcing and reduce dependency on any single supplier.
Maritime Law Enforcement Cooperation:
Expanded through legal frameworks, regional training programs, and enhanced partnerships among coast guard agencies of the Quad countries.
First Quad Indo-Pacific Logistics Network Exercise:
Planned for later this year, the field training aims to enhance collective airlift capabilities and improve rapid disaster response.
Quad Ports of the Future Partnership:
Scheduled to launch in Mumbai, this initiative will focus on boosting port infrastructure and operational connectivity across the region.
Rapid Humanitarian Aid Coordination:
Over $30 million in aid has already been mobilized to assist communities affected by the March 2025 earthquake in central Myanmar.
Countering Disinformation and Interference:
Efforts are underway to counter malign information campaigns and foreign attempts to undermine Quad interests in the Indo-Pacific.
Growing Concern Over East and South China Seas
The statement also flagged increasing instability in the East China Sea and South China Sea, expressing strong opposition to unilateral actions aimed at changing the status quo through force or coercion.
“We remain seriously concerned about the situation in the East and South China Seas. We firmly oppose any unilateral attempts to alter the status quo, including unsafe and aggressive maneuvers by military or maritime forces, obstruction of lawful maritime activities, and interference with offshore resource development,” the statement emphasized.
Condemnation of North Korean Actions
The Quad members condemned North Korea’s continued missile tests using ballistic technology, which violate multiple UN Security Council resolutions. The bloc also voiced concern over Pyongyang’s illicit cyber operations, such as cryptocurrency theft and overseas labor deployments to fund its nuclear and missile programs.
Support was reiterated for global efforts to enforce sanctions and curb North Korea’s unlawful activities.
Crisis in Myanmar: Urging Ceasefire and Aid Access
The worsening situation in Myanmar also drew sharp criticism. The Quad urged the military regime to uphold its ceasefire commitments and expressed strong backing for ASEAN’s Five-Point Consensus as the best route to a peaceful and inclusive resolution.
“We reaffirm our support for ASEAN’s efforts and call for the unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid across Myanmar,” the ministers said.
The Quad’s comprehensive joint statement underscores its evolving role as a force for regional stability and cooperation. From combating terrorism and maritime threats to countering cyber warfare and supporting disaster-affected communities, the group continues to deepen its strategic coordination across the Indo-Pacific.
