Tokyo – June 25, 2025: The foreign ministers of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) — comprising the United States, India, Japan, and Australia — issued a joint condemnation of the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Indian-administered Kashmir, while carefully avoiding naming Pakistan in their official statement.

The remarks were made following the Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Tokyo, where regional security and counterterrorism cooperation topped the agenda. The carefully worded condemnation reflects the group’s strategic alignment with India, but also a desire to avoid escalating regional tensions.

Attack in Pahalgam Sparks Global Concern

The Pahalgam attack, which occurred earlier this week, resulted in the deaths of seven Indian paramilitary personnel and injuries to several others. India has unofficially blamed Pakistan-based militants for the assault, though no group has formally claimed responsibility.

“We strongly condemn the terrorist attack in Pahalgam and stand in solidarity with the victims and their families,” the Quad statement read.

No Direct Accusation Against Pakistan

Despite India’s strong push for an explicit naming of Pakistan, the final communique made no reference to Islamabad, signaling internal disagreement among Quad members on how to handle Pakistan’s role in South Asian conflicts.

Analysts say:

• The U.S. and Japan may prefer a cautious tone due to ongoing diplomatic engagements with Pakistan
• Australia maintains a balanced position to support regional de-escalation
• India, however, remains firm on its demand for global isolation of Pakistan-based militant outfits

India’s Strategic Push

Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar expressed satisfaction with the Quad’s unity on counterterrorism but emphasized the need for “holding sponsors of terrorism accountable.”

India has consistently pushed for the designation of specific groups and individuals in Pakistan as global terrorists under UN sanctions frameworks.

Pakistan’s Response Likely

While no official Pakistani response has been issued yet, Islamabad is expected to reject any implicit allegations, as it has in previous instances, calling such claims “politically motivated and unfounded.”

Pakistan also continues to urge the international community to focus on human rights violations in Indian-administered Kashmir, accusing New Delhi of using terror accusations to deflect global scrutiny.

Quad’s Regional Balancing Act

The Pahalgam episode once again highlights the Quad’s delicate diplomacy in South Asia:

• Supports India’s sovereignty and counterterrorism concerns
• Avoids alienating Pakistan, a strategic partner in the wider region
• Maintains focus on Indo-Pacific security architecture, including deterring China’s influence

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