In a recent development, the Quad leaders comprising the United States, Japan, India, and Australia have come together to condemn the 26/11 Mumbai attacks in 2008 and the 2016 Pathankot attacks in an apparent reference to Pakistan. This joint statement was made during the first-ever in-person Quad summit held in Washington DC, where the leaders discussed various issues ranging from climate change to security concerns in the Indo-Pacific region.
The 26/11 Mumbai attacks, which took place on November 26, 2008, were a series of coordinated terrorist attacks that targeted multiple locations in Mumbai, including the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, the Oberoi Trident Hotel, and the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus railway station. The attacks claimed the lives of 166 people and injured over 300 others, making it one of the deadliest terrorist incidents in Indian history.
Similarly, the 2016 Pathankot attacks were another instance of cross-border terrorism, where a group of heavily armed militants attacked the Pathankot Air Force Station in Punjab, India. The attack resulted in the deaths of seven security personnel and raised concerns about the vulnerability of Indian military installations to such infiltrations.
The Quad leaders‘ condemnation of these attacks sends a strong message to countries that support or harbor terrorist groups, emphasizing the need for global cooperation in combating terrorism and ensuring regional security. By explicitly referencing Pakistan in their statement, the Quad leaders have made it clear that they stand united against state-sponsored terrorism and will work together to hold accountable those responsible for such heinous acts.
The Quad summit also focused on other pressing issues, such as climate change, economic cooperation, and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to promoting a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region, where countries can thrive and prosper in a rules-based international order.
As the Quad continues to strengthen its partnership and cooperation, it is expected to play a crucial role in shaping the geopolitical landscape of the region and addressing shared challenges effectively. By condemning acts of terrorism and standing in solidarity with countries affected by such violence, the Quad leaders have demonstrated their commitment to upholding peace, security, and stability in the Indo-Pacific and beyond.