Reinforcing Commitment Against Terrorism
In a recent meeting in Tokyo, the foreign ministers of the Quad countries India, United States, Australia, and Japan issued a joint statement emphasizing the need for concerted international action against terrorist groups. They highlighted the threats posed by Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), as well as Al-Qa’ida and the Islamic State. The ministers expressed their commitment to working with international and regional partners to prevent the use of emerging technologies for terrorist purposes.
Addressing Emerging Technological Threats
The Quad ministers deplored the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), drones, tunnels, and information and communication technologies by terrorist entities. They underscored the importance of bringing perpetrators of past terrorist attacks, such as the 26/11 Mumbai and the 2016 Pathankot incidents, to justice without delay. The joint statement reiterated the need for action against all UN-listed terrorist groups and their proxies.
Collaborative Efforts and Future Exercises
The statement highlighted the fruitful discussions of the Quad Working Group on Counter-Terrorism, established at last year’s ministerial meeting in New Delhi. The group’s first meeting and the fourth tabletop exercise in Honolulu were noted as successful. The ministers expressed their anticipation for the next exercise, to be hosted by Japan in November, which will focus on developing responses to potential terrorist incidents in the Indo-Pacific region.
Global and Regional Security Concerns
Beyond terrorism, the 4,000-word joint statement addressed a range of issues, including conflicts in Ukraine and Palestine, and regional threats posed by China. The ministers reaffirmed their commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific, emphasizing the importance of upholding sovereignty, territorial integrity, and peaceful dispute resolution in line with the UN Charter. They also highlighted the need to counter foreign information manipulation, promote human rights, and support media freedom.
The statement reflects the Quad’s united stance on maintaining regional and global security, addressing emerging threats, and upholding international law and democratic values.
