India and US Strengthen Cooperation Against Terrorism in Recent Meetings
Strengthening Ties in the Fight Against Terrorism
On Wednesday, Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar held separate discussions with FBI Director Kash Patel and U.S. National Intelligence Director Tulsi Gabbard, focusing on terrorism and the global landscape. During his meeting with Patel, Jaishankar commended the collaboration between India and the U.S. in combating terrorism, drug trafficking, and organized crime.
Following these discussions, Jaishankar emphasized that 'Operation Sindoor' sends a clear message to the world that India will take action against terrorism. Speaking at a press conference in Washington, he stated, 'What is significant for us in the Quad (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue) statement and the Security Council's statement issued on April 25 is that terrorists must be held accountable and brought to justice.'
He added, 'This is crucial because we need to inform the world about our actions. The objective of 'Operation Sindoor,' initiated on May 7, is to take action against those who carry out terrorist attacks, their supporters, financiers, and collaborators. Therefore, I believe this message has been conveyed with great clarity.'
In a joint statement issued by the foreign ministers of the Quad countries—Jaishankar, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Australia's Foreign Minister Penny Wong, and Japan's Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya—they condemned all acts of terrorism and violent extremism, including cross-border terrorism.
The Quad called for the immediate prosecution of those involved in planning and executing the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, and urged UN member states to enhance cooperation in this regard. The member countries firmly condemned the April 22 attack and expressed strong support for actions against cross-border terrorism.
The Pahalgam attack resulted in the deaths of 26 individuals. The joint statement urged for the swift prosecution of the perpetrators and financiers of this heinous act, appealing to all UN member states to actively cooperate with relevant authorities under international law and the pertinent resolutions of the UN Security Council.
The UN Security Council also condemned the Pahalgam attack, emphasizing the need to hold accountable those responsible for this reprehensible act, including its financiers and sponsors. In response to the attack, India initiated 'Operation Sindoor,' targeting terrorist infrastructures in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
The responsibility for the Pahalgam attack was claimed by 'The Resistance Front' (TRF), linked to the Pakistan-based terrorist group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LET). Jaishankar noted that he informed his counterparts in the Quad and globally about the nature of the terrorism challenge India has faced for decades, asserting, 'We are determined to respond firmly to this and have the right to defend ourselves.'
In addition to discussions within the Quad, Jaishankar had a productive bilateral meeting with Rubio, where they reviewed developments over the past six months and contemplated future pathways. He mentioned that topics such as trade and investment, technology, defense, energy, and mobility were discussed. Jaishankar also held separate bilateral talks with U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Secretary of Energy Chris Wright.
When asked about a U.S. plan to impose a 500% tariff on imports from countries purchasing Russian oil, Jaishankar responded that the Indian embassy and officials are in contact with Graham regarding this issue, stating, 'We have made them aware of our concerns and interests regarding energy security.'