The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad), comprising the United States, India, Japan, and Australia, is increasingly prioritizing cooperation in counter-terrorism, with a particular focus on technologies that can combat evolving threats. This renewed emphasis comes amid growing concerns about the use of emerging technologies by terrorist groups and the need for a unified response to regional and global terrorism.

The Quad's focus on counter-terrorism is not new, but it has gained renewed momentum in recent years. In March 2023, the foreign ministers of the Quad nations established a working group on counter-terrorism, signaling a commitment to strengthen cooperation in this critical area. This working group serves as a platform for member states to discuss counter-terrorism threats, share best practices, and explore ways to mitigate acts of terrorism through information sharing, consequence management, and strategic messaging.

Several activities and initiatives highlight the Quad's commitment to counter-terrorism. These include:

• Counter-Terrorism Working Group Meetings: The Quad Counter-Terrorism Working Group (CTWG) serves as a central forum for discussions on various topics, including global terrorism threats and countermeasures against the use of information and communication technology (ICT) and unmanned aerial systems (UAS) for terrorist purposes. The CTWG was launched at the Quad Foreign Ministers' Meeting in March 2023, and the next meeting will be hosted by India in 2025.
• Tabletop Exercises (TTX): The Quad partners have conducted tabletop exercises to simulate real-world scenarios and improve collaborative strategies and responses to evolving terrorist threats. These exercises involve practitioners from various agencies and focus on areas such as the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), cyber tools, and chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) agents by terrorists.
• Information Sharing: The Quad partners are working towards establishing an information-sharing network to enhance intelligence sharing and cooperation in countering terrorism. This network will facilitate the exchange of information on terrorist groups, their activities, and emerging threats.
• Technical Exchanges and Seminars: The Quad members are organizing technical exchanges and seminars to address specific counter-terrorism challenges. These events bring together experts from various fields to share knowledge, develop best practices, and strengthen countermeasures against terrorist exploitation of new and emerging technologies.

A key area of focus for the Quad is preventing terrorist exploitation of new and emerging technologies. Terrorist groups are increasingly using technologies such as AI, blockchain, cryptocurrencies, deepfake technologies, encrypted chat platforms, and the metaverse for various purposes, including recruitment, propaganda, communication, and fundraising. The Quad is working to strengthen countermeasures against these threats through intelligence sharing, capacity building, and engaging institutions and research organizations to develop safeguards against misuse by terrorists.

Specifically, the Quad is addressing the misuse of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) or drones by terrorists. These technical exchanges focus on identifying evolving UAS, establishing frameworks for international cooperation through sharing best practices, facilitating subject matter expert exchanges, and refining national-level policies for countering terrorist use of UAS or drones.

The Quad's efforts to enhance counter-terrorism cooperation are particularly important for India, which has been a long-standing victim of terrorism. India has actively promoted counter-terrorism as a priority for the Quad and has sought support from member states in its efforts to combat terrorism. The Quad's strong condemnation of the April 22 Pahalgam terrorist attack in Indian-administered Kashmir demonstrates its commitment to standing with India in the fight against terrorism.

Looking ahead, the Quad is expected to further strengthen its counter-terrorism cooperation through various initiatives. These include:

• Developing a stronger stance against terrorism: The Quad can work together to address the issue by not only aligning individual or bilateral responses but also thinking through multilateral steps.
• Strengthening Indian defense and diplomatic capabilities: The Quad leaders can do more to support India's efforts in counter-terrorism, such as strengthening its defense and diplomatic capabilities.
• Promoting information sharing and capacity building: The Quad can continue to enhance information sharing, capacity building, and joint exercises to improve counter-terrorism capabilities.

The Quad's enhanced focus on counter-terrorism technologies reflects the growing recognition that terrorism is an evolving threat that requires a coordinated and innovative response. By working together, the Quad nations can strengthen their ability to prevent and counter terrorism, protect their citizens, and promote a peaceful and stable Indo-Pacific region.