Victims, perpetrators of terrorism must never be equated: EAM
Facing the growing challenge of securing critical mineral supplies essential for electronics and advanced technologies, the Quad foreign ministers on Tuesday agreed to intensify efforts to diversify global supply chains, which are currently heavily dependent on China.
At the meeting held in Washington DC, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar stressed that India would not tolerate any form of terrorism and pushed back against what he called the “misplaced equalisation” between India and Pakistan by some countries.
“A word about terrorism in the light of our recent experience. The world must display zero tolerance… Victims and perpetrators must never be equated,” he said, adding, “India has every right to defend its people against terrorism and we will exercise that right. We expect our Quad partners to understand and appreciate that.”
His comments come against the backdrop of US President Donald Trump hosting Pakistan Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir at the White House, drawing criticism in India.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasised the Quad’s collective priority on building secure and diversified supply chains for critical minerals. “A reliable supply chain for these minerals is vital for all technologies and industries,” he said.
Foreign Ministers Penny Wong of Australia and Takeshi Iwaya of Japan also attended the meeting, where discussions covered regional security and economic cooperation beyond military interests. “Our collaboration now spans areas from economic development to global governance — with benefits going beyond Quad countries,” Rubio added.
In his opening remarks, Jaishankar reiterated the group’s shared vision: “We are all committed to ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific. To that end, our endeavours are devoted to promoting a rules-based international order.”
The phrase “free and open Indo-Pacific” is widely seen as a counter to Chinese assertiveness, especially in contested regions like the South China Sea, where Beijing has objected to the presence of foreign warships in international waters.
India will host the next Quad Summit. “We have some proposals on how to make that productive. I am sure so do our partners,” Jaishankar said.
Following the meeting, Jaishankar posted on X: “Attended a productive Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting today in Washington DC… Agreed on the importance of thinking bigger, deepening the agenda and intensifying our collaboration. The meeting today sends a clear message that in an uncertain and volatile world, the Quad will continue to be a force for global good.”
India