In a significant address at the Quad Foreign Ministers meeting in Washington DC, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has underscored the pressing need for Quad partners—comprising the United States, Japan, Australia, and India—to deepen their convergence in tackling contemporary global challenges, particularly the scourge of terrorism.
My editorial on the @NewsMobileIndia on the Quad Foreign Minister’s
Meeting in DC and my comments on DD india why @POTUS @narendramodi relationship stays strong and is providing strategic heft to US 🇺🇸🇮🇳 partnership https://t.co/13WEl1hY1g pic.twitter.com/uyMyKSk90V— Saurabh Shukla सौरभ शुक्ल (@isaurabhshukla) July 1, 2025
His remarks not only highlight India’s proactive stance within this strategic coalition but also serve as a clarion call for collective action against a menace that knows no borders, especially in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor.
Jaishankar noted that substantial progress has been made across various Quad initiatives, including maritime security, logistics, education, and political coordination. However, it is the focus on terrorism that resonates most deeply in the current global landscape. His call for a unified approach reflects an understanding that terrorism is an issue that transcends national boundaries, affecting the stability and security of nations worldwide.
It also impedes economic activity and also shifts focus away from Quad if the issue is not addressed.
The Indian minister’s message was also clear on another important front that India reserves the right to retaliate against terror epicentre and clear veiled message that if Pakistan doesn’t stop terrorism, India will again deal with it in a manner that India considers appropriate.
The other big message was that the Quad can respond more adeptly to emerging threats. By honing in on areas of common ground, the Quad is not merely a diplomatic forum but a strategic alliance poised to address urgent security concerns.
Jaishankar’s unequivocal stance on terrorism was particularly striking. He urged the international community to adopt a zero-tolerance policy, emphasizing that “victims and perpetrators must never be equated.”
This powerful declaration reaffirms India’s long-held position that terrorism, regardless of its guise, must be confronted head-on without ambiguity or moral equivalence. It is a message that resonates not just within the confines of the Quad but across nations that grapple with the spectre of terrorism and extremism.
Moreover, Jaishankar reaffirmed India’s right to defend itself against terrorism. This assertion is significant, as it underscores India’s commitment to national security while seeking understanding from its Quad partners. In an increasingly interconnected world, the expectation for solidarity in the face of terrorism is not merely a diplomatic nicety; it is a necessity for collective defence.
The challenges posed by terrorism are evolving, and so must the responses of nations. The Quad, under India’s leadership, which will host the Quad summit this year, is uniquely positioned to spearhead a concerted effort against this global threat.
By advocating for a robust framework of cooperation, Jaishankar is not only enhancing the strategic relevance of the Quad but also reinforcing the principles of justice and security that underpin the alliance.
As the world watches, India’s call to action serves as a reminder that the fight against terrorism is far from over. The Quad must rise to the occasion, fostering a spirit of collaboration that ensures the safety and security of all nations. In this era of complexity and uncertainty, unity in purpose and action is not just desirable; it is imperative, as the clear and present danger of terrorism exists for all democracies.
