‘Victims And Perpetrators Can’t Be Equated’: Jaishankar’s Anti-Terror Message At QUAD Event

Last Updated:July 01, 2025, 20:17 IST

EAM Dr. S Jaishankar stressed zero tolerance for terrorism and defended India's right to protect its people. Quad ministers met in DC to promote a free Indo-Pacific.

Jaishankar (PTI file)

External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar on Tuesday said that the world must display zero tolerance against terrorism and asserted that “victims and perpetrators" must never be equated.

Without mentioning Operation Sindoor, Jaishankar said India has every right to defend its people against terrorism, and it will exercise that right.

Foreign ministers of the Quad nations– India, the US, Japan and Australia met in Washington, DC.

Speaking after the meeting, EAM Jaishakar said 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.

“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," he added.

India’s EAM Dr S Jaishankar, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Japan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Takeshi Iwaya, and Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong met for the Quad Foreign Ministers’ meeting at the US Department of State.

Why Indo-Pacific Is Important For QUAD

China has emerged as a global economic powerhouse over the past two decades, rapidly expanding its trade networks, technological capabilities, and diplomatic reach. Its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), growing military presence in the South China Sea, and strategic investments across Asia, Africa, and Europe have positioned it as a serious challenger to the United States-led global order. This rise has led to increasing geopolitical tensions, particularly with the US, which views Beijing’s actions as undermining international norms, engaging in coercive trade practices, and threatening security in the Indo-Pacific region.

Quad, a joint initiative of India, the US, Australia and Japan, is being seen as a counter to China’s influence in the region.

Stressing that China poses a threat to security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific, Rubio had earlier stated that the region must be free from Beijing’s coercive and unfair trade practices. He raised the issues and challenges facing the Indo-Pacific during his discussions with foreign ministers of Southeast Asian nations, as well as at the recent G7 Summit held in Canada.

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