"India has every right to defend its people against terrorism": EAM Jaishankar at Quad Foreign Ministers' Meeting
Addressing the gathering, Jaishankar strongly condemned terrorism and referred to India's recent counterterrorism response, including Operation Sindoor, which was launched after the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam.
'A word about terrorism in the light of our recent experience. The world must display zero tolerance. Victims and perpetrators must never be equated and 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,' Jaishankar said.
He also reiterated the broader strategic goals of the Quad. 'I am very pleased to be back in DC for the second time this year for Quad's Foreign Ministers' Meeting, and let me begin by saying 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 nations of the Indo-Pacific must have the freedom of choice so essential to make the right decisions on development and security,' he said.
Highlighting the recent advancements made by the Quad across several sectors, he stated, 'In the last few months, we have made significant progress in the Quad's initiatives. They include the maritime domain, logistics, education, and political coordination. We will be discussing that in greater detail.'
On structural changes within the Quad, Jaishankar noted, 'The working of the Quad has been made more efficient through streamlining the working groups. A more cohesive, nimble and focused Quad will help deliver. Quad is about deepening convergence and expanding our common ground. I value our consultations on different dimensions of the Indo-Pacific in that regard. A lot is happening in the world and I hope our exchange of views will be very valuable for all of us.'
He also announced India's intention to host the next Quad Summit. 'India plans to host the next Quad Summit. We have some proposals on how to make it productive, and sure so do our partners. We will discuss and I am sure we will agree,' he said.
'Once again I thank Secretary Rubio for hosting us today and I look forward to our discussions,' Jaishankar concluded.
Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya also addressed the meeting, emphasising the strategic relevance of the Indo-Pacific region in the current global context.
'Currently, there is turmoil in the Middle East and Europe. The Indo-Pacific region, where all four countries are located, is the engine of the global economy, accounting for more than half of the world's population. The peace and stability of the Indo-Pacific region are essential for the prosperity of the international community. The four countries in the region have an important role in ensuring peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region,' Iwaya said.
He added, 'Today I am looking forward to engaging in the strategic discussions on the current international situation. Additionally, to exchange views on future cooperation that will benefit countries in the region in order to advance the realisation of the free and open Indo-Pacific.'
The Quad Foreign Ministers' Meeting reaffirmed the shared commitment of the member countries to a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific, while also underlining India's strong stance on counterterrorism and regional development. (ANI)
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
20 minutes ago
- Time of India
'Not same as Swastika': Virgina enacts law to criminalize display of Nazi symbols; to prioritize ‘Hakenkreuz' instead
ANI file photo The state of Virginia in the US has enacted a new law criminalizing the display of Nazi symbols, marking a win for accuracy and religious freedom and equitable treatment for 'Dharmic communities' as per the Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA). Virginia has officially enacted the House Bill 2783 which distinguished between 'Hakenkreuz' the German word for 'Hooked Cross' and the sacred symbol of Swastika revered by many religions. 'The nuance in this law was the result of a united grassroots campaign from community leaders and Viriginia residents, alarmed at the terms of the original bill which had threatened prison terms for displaying a symbol that is almost ubiquitous in our temples and houses. This is the power of advocacy,' said ConHNA through a post on X. 'We are pleased to see how Virginia is tackling growing hate while being sensitive to minority groups that revere the Swastika', said the president of CoHNA. 'Now the need of the hour is for the media, law enforcement, and educational institutions in Virginia to update their language to reflect this critical nuance and ensure fair treatment for all,' he added. Initially, the bill had incorrectly equated the Nazi symbol to the Swastika, as per CoHNA. Despite concerns, the bill passed unanimously in the Virginia House of Delegates with a 97-0 vote. The billll also explicitly defines 'Nazi Swastika' is not the 'same as symbol of peace and prosperity used by Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Zoroastrianism, or Native American religions.' 'By explicitly delineating the legal status of the Swastika, the statute not only condemns and prohibits its misuse as a symbol of hatred, but also affirms and honors its sacred meaning within Hinduism and other Dharmic traditions. In doing so, the Commonwealth of Virginia sets a precedent for a more informed, respectful, and inclusive civic discourse', said Srilekha Palle a member of the Board of Directors at the American Hindu Coalition.
News18
21 minutes ago
- News18
Modi Becomes First Indian PM To Visit Ghana In 30 Years, Gets Guard Of Honour And 21-Gun Salute
The Prime Minister was warmly greeted by members of the Indian diaspora in Accra upon his arrival at the hotel where he will be staying during his two-day visit to Ghana. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday arrived in Ghana, as part of his five-nation tour, where he received a warm welcome from President John Dramani Mahama. PM Modi, who became the first Indian Prime Minister to visit the West African country in the last 30 years, received a guard of honour and a 21-gun salute on his arrival. Ghana plays strategic role as a key partner in the Global South and is an active member of both the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). #WATCH | As PM Narendra Modi becomes the first Indian PM to visit Ghana after 30 years, President John Mahama of Ghana gives him a warm welcome at the airport. A Guard of Honour, along with a 21-gun salute, was presented to the PM.(Video: ANI/DD News) — ANI (@ANI) July 2, 2025 The Prime Minister was warmly greeted by members of the Indian diaspora in Accra upon his arrival at the hotel where he will be staying during his two-day visit to Ghana. #WATCH | Prime Minister Narendra Modi receives a warm welcome from members of Indian diaspora in Accra, as he arrives at the hotel where he will stay during his two-day visit to Ghana.(Video: ANI/DD News) — ANI (@ANI) July 2, 2025 At the hotel in Accra, PM Modi also witnessed a short cultural performance, where a group of young children chanted 'Hare Rama Hare Krishna" in his honour. Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi described Ghana as a 'valued friend" of India in Africa and an important partner in the Global South. 'The talks with President John Dramani Mahama will provide an opportunity to boost India-Ghana friendship across various sectors. It is also an honour to be getting the opportunity to address the Parliament of Ghana tomorrow, 3rd July," said PM Modi. After his visit to Ghana, the Prime Minister will travel to Trinidad and Tobago from July 3 to 4, at the invitation of Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar. He will then head to Argentina from July 4 to 5 for bilateral talks with President Javier Milei. From July 5 to 8, PM Modi will be in Rio to attend the BRICS Summit. Concluding his multi-nation tour, PM Modi is scheduled to visit Namibia on July 9, following an invitation from President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah.
Time of India
29 minutes ago
- Time of India
No hesitation in wiping out terrorists, wherever they are: Rajnath Sigh
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday asserted that the Narendra Modi government will not hesitate to eliminate terrorists, wherever they are, and that no distinction will be made between masterminds and the regimes which sponsor them. The former BJP president's stern message to Pakistan , without mentioning the neighbouring country by name, came in his address to the party's state executive meeting in Bihar, where assembly elections are due this year. Singh said that under Modi, the country's policy on security has turned a new leaf with steps like surgical strikes and Balakot airstrikes . Referring to the military operation that followed the Pahalgam terror attack, he said, "Operation Sindoor marked the first time when we struck at terror hideouts 100 km beyond our borders. Of course, we hit only those who had hit us, a reason why no civilians nor any military installations were targeted". "Under Modi, our policy has been not to hesitate in eliminating terrorists wherever they are. And we shall do so without making a distinction between masterminds of terror attacks and regimes which sponsor them," said the defence minister. Live Events He added that the country's defence exports have seen a sharp rise, thanks to Modi's thrust on "swadeshikaran" (production at home) and " Aatma Nirbhar Bharat ". "The Modi government works with a long-term road-map, in marked contrast with Congress-led governments of the past, which lacked direction and were driven by vote bank concerns," said the Union minister. Singh also made an oblique reference to the controversy over RSS second in command Dattatreya Hosabale's remark that the words "secular" and "socialist" be dropped from the preamble of the Constitution, as those were inserted during the infamous Emergency. "I would like to ask fake secularists, after the word secular was added to the country's Constitution, why was it not added to the separate Constitution of Jammu and Kashmir? Should the state, where minority Hindus were being oppressed, not have been secular? Jammu and Kashmir became secular only after Article 370 was abrogated," he said. The BJP leader claimed that the party is the only political organisation in the entire world to have raised a voice against atrocities against minorities in neighbouring countries and taken a concrete step, in the form of CAA , upon coming to power. He said, "India has always believed in treating all faiths with respect. Parsis were accepted with open arms. We have one of the world's oldest churches in Kerala. Ours is the only land where all 72 sects of Islam are recognised." In contrast, even Ahmadiya Muslims are facing persecution in Pakistan, and one should not speak about minorities, Singh said. "The situation is horrifying in Bangladesh as well. The treatment meted out to Hindus there is a blot on humanity," said the defence minister.
