WASHINGTON — The four-nation strategic alliance known as the Quad — comprising the United States, India, Japan, and Australia — issued a joint statement condemning terrorism following a deadly attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). However, the statement notably refrained from directly blaming Pakistan for the April 22 incident that left 26 tourists dead in the Pahalgam region.
Despite India’s accusations against Pakistan, no concrete evidence was presented to support the claims. Pakistan has firmly denied involvement and called for an impartial, independent investigation into the attack.
The joint statement was released after a high-level meeting of the foreign ministers in Washington. While strongly denouncing terrorism, the statement emphasized broad condemnation rather than singling out any country. “The Quad unequivocally condemns all acts of terrorism and violent extremism in all its forms and manifestations, including cross-border terrorism,” it read. The ministers urged all UN member states to cooperate fully in ensuring accountability for the perpetrators and financiers of such violence.
The attack also led to heightened military conflict between Pakistan and India. Following India’s retaliatory actions, Pakistan launched “Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos,” targeting Indian military assets. The operation resulted in significant losses for India, including the downing of six fighter jets—three of them Rafales—and several unmanned drones.
After nearly four days of hostilities, a ceasefire was announced on May 10. The truce was reportedly brokered by the United States, with President Donald Trump playing a mediating role. While India has downplayed Trump’s influence, Pakistan publicly acknowledged his efforts and formally nominated him for the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize, crediting him with helping to de-escalate a volatile situation between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.
