Daijiworld Media Network- Panama
Panama, May 29: In a strong gesture of solidarity, Panama President Jose Raul Mulino Quintero on Wednesday (local time) extended Panama’s unwavering support for India’s firm stance against terrorism during a meeting with an all-party Indian parliamentary delegation led by senior Congress MP Dr Shashi Tharoor.
The high-level interaction took place at the Presidential Palace in Panama City and marked a significant moment in India's ongoing diplomatic outreach to rally global support against cross-border terrorism, particularly in the wake of the recent Pahalgam terror attack.
Dr Tharoor, sharing details on social media platform X, said, “The Indian delegation had a constructive and productive discussion with the President of Panama. The President graciously expressed his understanding and support for India’s fight against terrorism.”
The Indian parliamentary team reflected the spirit of bipartisan consensus on national security. It comprised MPs Shambhavi (Lok Janshakti Party – Ram Vilas), Sarfaraz Ahmad (Jharkhand Mukti Morcha), Milind Murli Deora (Shiv Sena), Shashank Mani Tripathi, Bhubaneswar Kalita, and Tejasvi Surya (BJP), and GM Harish Balayogi (Telugu Desam Party), in addition to veteran diplomat Taranjit Singh Sandhu.
In further engagements, the Indian delegation held key discussions with Panamanian Foreign Minister Javier Martinez-Acha and Vice-Minister Carlos Hoyos. The central theme of the talks was India’s firm resolve to eliminate terrorism and the importance of international cooperation in curbing Pakistan-sponsored extremism.
Tharoor, highlighting the diplomatic warmth, posted, “Had an excellent and constructive conversation with Panamanian Foreign Minister Javier Martinez-Acha… accompanied by his colleagues and MPs – a testament to the regard India commands here.”
Echoing the sentiment, Taranjit Singh Sandhu posted, “President underlined Panama’s support for India and opposition to terrorism.”
Symbolically underscoring the shared values of peace and non-violence, the delegation paid floral tribute at the bust of Mahatma Gandhi at the University of Panama. A mango sapling was planted in Gandhi’s memory, with members of the Indian diaspora joining the solemn ceremony.
Dana Castaneda, President of Panama’s National Assembly, reiterated her nation’s solidarity with India, stating, “The message conveyed by the Indian delegation has been clearly understood. Panama stands with India in this campaign for peace and the global fight against terrorism.”
This marked the third stop of the Indian delegation’s international campaign following the tragic Pahalgam attack, which claimed 26 civilian lives at the hands of Pakistan-backed terrorists. The diplomatic mission underscores India’s unwavering message of zero tolerance for terrorism and its efforts to build a united global front against the menace.