Washington, DC [USA], July 3 (ANI) – The Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (QFIM) convened in Washington recently, highlighting critical issues surrounding territorial integrity, sovereignty, and adherence to international law, according to a U.S. State Department official.
The Quad, consisting of India, the United States, Australia, and Japan, reaffirmed their joint commitment to preserving a free, open, and peaceful Indo-Pacific region, expressing serious concern over terrorism and various regional challenges.
U.S. State Department Deputy Spokesperson Mignon Houston noted that the meeting exhibited a clear consensus among the Quad nations on essential principles aimed at fostering peace and cooperation within the region.
“I would point to the joint statement that was released by the Quad Partners, where they focused on the right to territorial integrity and sovereignty and their commitment to the rule of law,” Houston stated.
She highlighted the significance of the Quad partners, who collectively account for 35 percent of the world’s GDP, and noted their substantial global influence.
“Leveraging their resources, expertise, and skills to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific was the priority for this meeting. We look forward to seeing these policies carried forward through the Quad Partners,” Houston added.
Houston emphasized that the United States, under President Donald Trump’s leadership, remains committed to ensuring peace in the Indo-Pacific region.
“Territorial integrity, respect for the rule of law, and sovereignty were all pieces that were part of this meeting. That includes security, as India has suggested. We will continue to focus on that. This administration has been very clear that they are focused on peace. The U.S. President is focused on peace, and this is part we’re going to continue to work for the Indo-Pacific as well,” she explained.
During the meeting, India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar addressed the pressing issue of terrorism, referencing India’s recent military operation, Operation Sindoor, in response to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir.
“A word about terrorism in 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 asserted.
Jaishankar reaffirmed India’s unwavering commitment to the strategic objectives of the Quad.
“I am very pleased to be back in DC for the second time this year for Quad’s Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. Let me begin by saying we are all committed to ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific. To that end, our endeavors are devoted to promoting a rules-based international order,” he stated.
He emphasized the necessity for countries in the Indo-Pacific to have the freedom to make independent choices on development and security issues.
The Quad ministers collectively condemned terrorism in all forms and called for decisive action against those responsible for the April 22 attack in Pahalgam, which resulted in the deaths of 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen.
“The Quad unequivocally condemns all acts of terrorism and violent extremism in all their forms and manifestations, including cross-border terrorism, and renews our commitment to counterterrorism cooperation,” the joint statement noted.
The ministers marked the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, which occurred on April 22, 2025, and expressed their deepest condolences to the families of the victims while wishing a swift recovery to those injured.
In discussing Operation Sindoor, Jaishankar reiterated India’s stance of not hesitating to act against terrorism and its enablers.
“The perpetrators of terrorism must be held accountable; they must be brought to justice, and that’s important because we have to communicate to the world that what we did on May 7, the objective of Operation Sindoor, is that if there are terrorist attacks, we will act against the perpetrators, the supporters, and the enablers. That message was conveyed with great clarity,” Jaishankar concluded.
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