India’s Stand Against Terrorism: What Jaishankar Said at the Quad Meet in Washington

 India’s Stand Against Terrorism: What Jaishankar Said at the Quad Meet in Washington

This week, all eyes were on Washington DC as the foreign ministers of the Quad — India, the U.S., Australia, and Japan — came together for a crucial meeting to discuss regional security and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.

Representing India, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar didn’t hold back. In a powerful statement, he made it clear: India has every right to defend itself against terrorism. He urged the Quad partners to stand firm on the issue and support India’s stance, adding that the world needs to show zero tolerance towards terrorism. "Victims and perpetrators must never be equated," he said firmly.

This strong message comes against the backdrop of rising regional tensions and India's recent experiences with cross-border terrorism. It wasn’t just about defense — Jaishankar used the platform to highlight how a more focused and streamlined Quad can be more effective in tackling shared challenges.

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong also made a notable mention — she recalled the March 28 earthquake in Myanmar and how the Quad nations quickly stepped up to help those affected. That moment, she said, reflected the real power of partnership in action.

There was a strong sense of shared purpose throughout the session. The Indo-Pacific isn’t just a strategic zone anymore — it’s become the centerpiece of global politics. “The future of the 21st century is being shaped here,” said Wong, echoing sentiments shared by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Jaishankar also reiterated India’s commitment to a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific. And here’s the exciting part: India is preparing to host the next Quad leaders’ summit and already has a few proposals on the table to make it impactful.

On the sidelines of the meeting, Jaishankar held talks with his Japanese counterpart, Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya. The two discussed infrastructure, investment, and mobility — areas where India and Japan continue to grow closer in strategic partnership.

Meanwhile, Rubio pointed out the potential for the Quad to help secure global supply chains, especially for critical minerals — something that could have far-reaching impact as nations aim to reduce dependencies on unstable regions.

What This Means for India and the Quad

The key takeaway from this Quad meeting? India is making its voice heard loud and clear. Whether it's fighting terrorism or leading development in the Indo-Pacific, New Delhi is taking a more confident, assertive role on the global stage. And with Quad partners aligned on major priorities, the road ahead looks promising.