U.S. Exposed for Double Standards on Terrorism at Quad Meetings

New Delhi:
The United States’ stance on terrorism has once again come under scrutiny, revealing a clear double standard in its Quad (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue) commitments. While the U.S. publicly pledges cooperation against terrorism alongside India, Japan, and Australia, its official statements suggest a reluctance to address the issue substantively.

Quad Counter-Terrorism Working Group

On 4–5 December 2025, the Quad Counter-Terrorism Working Group (CTWG) convened in New Delhi, attended by representatives from the U.S., India, Japan, and Australia. Following the meeting, a joint statement condemned all forms of terrorism, including cross-border attacks. The statement paid tribute to the victims of the 10 November 2025 terrorist attack near the Red Fort, demanding that perpetrators, sponsors, and financiers be brought to justice, with support sought from the United Nations member states.

Indo-Pacific Security Commitments

The Quad members also discussed countering terrorist threats in the Indo-Pacific region, reiterating their collective commitment to keeping the region free from terrorism. The meeting concluded with a pledge to reconvene in 2026 to further address regional security challenges.

U.S. Inaction and Hypocrisy

Despite its statements in the Quad, the U.S. State Department’s official document on the meeting conspicuously avoided addressing terrorism as a core area of collaboration. While the document emphasized maritime security, economic prosperity, emerging technologies, and humanitarian aid, it failed to mention joint counter-terrorism initiatives—India’s top priority. This omission exposes the gap between U.S. rhetoric and action.

India’s Assertive Response

India has faced severe terrorist attacks this year, notably the Pahalgam massacre in Jammu and Kashmir on 22 April 2025, where 25 tourists and a local resident were targeted based on religion. Following the attack, India led Operation Sindur against the perpetrators. During Quad foreign ministers’ meetings, Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar reaffirmed India’s right to protect its citizens from terrorism, highlighting the U.S. inconsistency in addressing cross-border terrorist threats.

This episode underscores the disparity between public commitments and actual policies by the U.S. in counter-terrorism cooperation, raising questions about the effectiveness and sincerity of its Quad diplomacy.

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