Quad Nations Unite Against Terrorism, Push for Stronger Global Action

New Delhi- The Quad nations on Tuesday strongly condemned terrorism in all its forms and called for decisive and long-term international action to tackle the growing threat of terror and transnational crime.

During the Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting held in New Delhi, representatives from India, the US, Japan and Australia also voiced concern over the rise of online scam centres operating across Southeast Asia and nearby regions. These centres, the grouping noted, are linked to serious organised crimes such as human trafficking, drug smuggling, sexual extortion, illicit financing and cybercrime.

According to the joint statement issued after the meeting, the Quad countries agreed to deepen cooperation through stronger law enforcement and regulatory coordination to help partner nations combat online scams and organised criminal networks.

“We unequivocally condemn terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including cross-border terrorism,” the statement said, while specifically condemning the terror attack in Pahalgam, India, on April 22, 2025, and the Bondi Beach attack in Australia on December 14, 2025.

The statement further stressed the need for sustained global efforts against internationally designated terrorists, terror groups, their affiliates, financiers and sponsors.

The ministers also pledged to work closely with regional and global partners to strengthen capacities for preventing, detecting and responding to terrorism, violent extremism and the misuse of emerging technologies for terror-related activities.

The meeting was attended by India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi.

The Quad leaders reaffirmed their commitment to a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific region and agreed to expand cooperation through practical initiatives aimed at ensuring regional stability and prosperity.

The joint statement also expressed serious concern over developments in the East China Sea and South China Sea, reiterating opposition to any unilateral or coercive actions that threaten peace and stability in the region.

The ministers raised concerns about unsafe maritime activities, including interference in offshore resource development, obstruction of freedom of navigation, and dangerous actions involving coast guard and maritime militia vessels, such as water cannon use, flares, ramming and blocking manoeuvres. They also criticised the increasing militarisation of disputed areas in the South China Sea.

The Quad members further discussed the situation in West Asia and underlined the importance of respecting international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), to ensure safe and uninterrupted global trade through key maritime routes such as the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea.

The ministers also condemned attacks on commercial shipping vessels and opposed any actions inconsistent with UNCLOS, including the imposition of maritime tolls.

With inputs from IANS