QUAD Foreign Ministers condemn 26/11 Mumbai and Pathankot terrorist attacks

New Delhi: The Four Foreign Ministers of QUAD. The US, Australia, Japan and India met in Delhi on March 03. They condemned terrorism and violent extremism in all its forms and manifestations, explicitly naming the 26/11 Mumbai attacks and Pathankot terrorist attacks in India.

The QUAD Foreign Ministers meeting took place on March 03 2023, in New Delhi. External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar chaired the meeting.

“We denounce the use of terrorist proxies and emphasize the importance of denying any logistical, financial or military support to terrorist organizations which could be used to launch or plan terrorist attacks, including transnational and cross-border attacks, “ said the Press release issued after the meeting.

“We reiterate our condemnation of terrorist attacks, including 26/11 Mumbai, which claimed the lives of citizens from all QUAD countries, and Pathankot attacks. We are committed to working together with our regional and international partners to promote accountability for the perpetrators of such terrorist attacks, including through designations by the UN Security Council 1267 Sanctions Committee,” read further the press release.

The press release further expressed concern at attempts to politicize the working of the UNSC Sanctions Regimes and called on all states to maintain the transparent, objective and evidence-based working methods of UNSC Sanctions Committees.

The four foreign ministers of the QUAD were concerned that terrorism has become increasingly diffuse, aided by terrorists’ adaptation to and the use of emerging and evolving technologies such as unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and the internet, including social media platforms for recruitment and incitement to commit terrorist acts, as well as for the financing, planning, and preparation of terrorist activities.“

The QUAD also announced the establishment of the QUAD Working Group on Counter-Terrorism, which will explore cooperation amongst the QUAD and with Indo-Pacific partners to counter new and emerging forms of terrorism, radicalization to violence and violent extremism.

Its first meeting will occur in the United States in 2023 to continue further discussions on this global terrorist issue.

The meeting further exchanged views on recent developments in the Indo-Pacific region, maritime security and regional issues of mutual interest, guided by their vision of a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific.