Quad statement condemns Pahalgam terrorist attack

Quad issued a strong statement against terrorism, including cross-border terrorism, and condemned “in the strongest terms” the Pahalgam terrorist attack, reflecting India’s concerns.

A joint statement issued by the foreign ministers of Australia, India, Japan and the US after their meeting in Washington on Tuesday said, “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. We condemn in the strongest terms the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, 2025, which claimed the lives of 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen, while injuring several others.”

The statement said, without naming Pakistan, “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. 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 (UN Security Council resolutions), to cooperate actively with all relevant authorities.”

Ahead of the meeting, external affairs minister S Jaishankar had emphasised that India expects its Quad partners to understand and appreciate India’s right to defend itself against terrorism.

Quad foreign ministers also announced the launch of Quad Critical Minerals Initiative, “an ambitious expansion of our partnership to strengthen economic security and collective resilience by collaborating on securing and diversifying critical mineral supply chains”.

In a veiled reference to China’s monopoly, the statement said, “We are deeply concerned about the abrupt constriction and future reliability of key supply chains, specifically for critical minerals. This includes the use of non-market policies and practices for critical minerals, certain derivative products, and mineral processing technology. We underscore the importance of diversified and reliable global supply chains. Reliance on any one country for processing and refining critical minerals and derivative goods production exposes our industries to economic coercion, price manipulation and supply chain disruptions, which further harms our economic and national security.”