Washington DC/IBNS: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday (US local time) spoke about India's right to defend its people against terrorism in reference to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.

Speaking at the Quad Summit, Jaishankar said, "A word about terrorism in the light of our recent experience. The world must display zero tolerance. Victims and perpetrators must never be equated. 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."

"A word about terrorism in the light of our recent experience. I am very pleased to be back in DC for the second time this year for a Quad Foreign Ministers' meeting. We are all committed to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific. To that end, our endeavours are devoted to promoting a rules-based international order.

"It is essential that nations of the Indo-Pacific have the freedom of choice so essential to make the right decisions on development and security...," he added.

The foreign ministers of QUAD nations (Australia, India, Japan and the US) called for the perpetrators, organisers, and financiers of the terror act to be brought to justice without any delay.

In a joint statement issued after the meeting in Washington DC, the foreign ministers said: "The Quad unequivocally condemns all acts of terrorism and violent extremism in all its forms and manifestations, including cross-border terrorism, and renews our commitment to counterterrorism cooperation."

"We condemn in the strongest terms the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir on April 22, 2025, which claimed the lives of 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen, while injuring several others," the statement said.

"We express our deepest condolences to the families of the victims and extend our heartfelt wishes for a swift and full recovery to all those injured," the foreign ministers said in the joint statement.

The statement further said: "We call for the perpetrators, organizers, and financiers of this reprehensible act to be brought to justice without any delay and urge all UN Member States, in accordance with their obligations under international law and relevant UNSCRs, to cooperate actively with all relevant authorities in this regard."

Jaishankar, along with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya, and Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong participated in the meeting.

India's response to Pahalgam attack

In a retaliation against the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, the Indian Armed Forces launched Operation Sindoor hitting nine terrorist bases in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

The military conflict escalated after Pakistan targeted civilians across the borders without any provocation to be aptly countered by the Indian military.

On the ceasefire, Jaishankar earlier said it was Pakistan that had reached out to India for a deal to cease the military conflicts, rubbishing Trump's claims.

"It was the Pakistani army which sent a message that they were ready to stop firing, and we responded accordingly," Jaishankar had said.