Foreign ministers of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) — comprising the United States, India, Japan, and Australia — have jointly condemned the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Indian-administered Kashmir, in a strong statement issued after a high-level meeting in Washington. However, the statement carefully avoided naming Pakistan, despite India’s repeated accusations of its involvement.
The ministers “unequivocally condemned all acts of terrorism and violent extremism in all its forms and manifestations, including cross-border terrorism,” and called for the perpetrators, organizers, financiers, and sponsors of the attack to be brought to justice without delay. They also urged all UN member states to fully cooperate with relevant international bodies in this effort.
The omission of Pakistan’s name from the statement is being interpreted as a strategic move aimed at avoiding further escalation in an already tense South Asian region, particularly after a brief military flare-up between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam incident.
India had immediately blamed Pakistan-based militant networks for orchestrating the deadly assault that killed 26 people, including several tourists, prompting cross-border military exchanges that lasted for weeks. The violence only subsided after U.S.-led diplomatic intervention brokered a ceasefire on May 10.
Pakistan has denied any involvement in the attack, calling for a neutral and independent investigation. Islamabad has also criticized India for politicizing the tragedy to gain regional sympathy and isolate Pakistan diplomatically.
Diplomatic observers believe the Quad’s language signals support for India’s security concerns while deliberately maintaining a degree of neutrality to preserve dialogue and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. The group reiterated its commitment to counterterrorism cooperation and the enforcement of international legal norms against terrorism.
The Quad ministers reaffirmed their shared commitment to uphold peace, stability, and rule of law in the region, and stressed the importance of enhancing collective efforts against terrorism and transnational threats.
India is expected to continue pressing its case in international forums, including at the United Nations, where it seeks wider recognition of what it terms “state-sponsored terrorism” originating from across its borders.
While the Quad’s carefully worded statement reflects diplomatic caution, it also underscores growing international concern about terrorism in South Asia — and the urgent need for regional powers to address it through cooperation rather than confrontation.
