Quad Ministers Condemn Pahalgam Attack Without Naming Pakistan

The Quad grouping of the United States, India, Japan, and Australia called for justice to be served swiftly for the perpetrators of a militant attack that claimed 26 lives in India-occupied Kashmir. The attack in Pahalgam on April 22 led to heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, with India accusing Pakistan of involvement, which Pakistan denied, calling for an impartial investigation.

The US State Department released a joint statement by the Quad foreign ministers, who met in Washington. The statement condemned all forms of terrorism and violent extremism, urging UN members to actively cooperate in bringing the perpetrators to justice without delay.

India is a key US partner in countering China's influence in Asia, while Pakistan collaborates in counterterrorism efforts. The ceasefire between India and Pakistan on May 10 followed a series of attacks involving fighter jets, missiles, drones, and artillery, with US intervention playing a role in the de-escalation.

India maintains that disputes with Pakistan should be resolved directly, without external interference. The recent discord at a Shanghai Cooperation Organisation meeting highlighted the differing stances on the Pahalgam attack.

According to the source: Dawn.