New Delhi, May 26 -- The Quad grouping (India, the United States, Japan and Australia) on Tuesday issued a strong joint statement condemning terrorism, warning against "coercive" actions in the Indo-Pacific, and opposing any disruption to global maritime trade routes, including the imposition of tolls in the Strait of Hormuz.

The ministers and the Secretary of State of the United States of America reaffirmed their commitment to "a free and open Indo-Pacific" and stressed that "peace, stability, and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific hinges on upholding international law, and the peaceful resolution of disputes."

In a pointed reference to tensions in maritime regions, the Quad said it "strongly opposes any destabilising or unilateral actions...