Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, May 31: In a significant diplomatic move, Colombia withdrew its controversial statement perceived as sympathetic to Pakistan following Operation Sindoor, after an Indian delegation led by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor held extensive discussions with Colombian officials. Tharoor confirmed that Colombia will now release a statement strongly supporting India’s position on terrorism.
Speaking from Bogotá, Tharoor emphasized that Colombia’s previous statement had overlooked the fundamental difference between aggressors and defenders. “We are very pleased that they have retracted their earlier remarks and will now issue a statement that aligns with our stance,” he said. “There is no equivalence between those who dispatch terrorists and those who resist them.”
Tharoor also paid tribute at a bust of Mahatma Gandhi on a local university campus, reflecting on India’s enduring values of peace and justice.
Later, Tharoor elaborated on the delegation’s meeting with Colombia’s Senior Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, saying, “They recognized the oversight and assured us of their commitment to stand with India in upholding sovereignty and peace in the region.”
Former Indian ambassador to the US and senior BJP leader Taranjit Singh Sandhu highlighted the delegation’s robust engagement as the key to Colombia’s shift in position. “We presented a detailed timeline and context that Colombia had perhaps overlooked,” Sandhu said. “Their withdrawal of the statement and their upcoming role on the UN Security Council make this all the more significant.”
BJP MP Shashank Mani noted Colombia’s own troubled history with terrorism, observing, “Colombia has faced terrorism and emerged stronger. We brought a message of peace but also made clear that India will respond firmly to any terrorist attacks.”
Tharoor had earlier voiced India’s disappointment over Colombia’s condolences to Pakistan for casualties suffered during Operation Sindoor instead of standing in solidarity with the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack.
Tharoor stressed, “There can be no comparison between those who commit terrorist acts and those who defend their nation. We are simply exercising our right to self-defence.”
This visit is part of a larger outreach initiative by India to reinforce its zero-tolerance policy on terrorism. After stops in Panama and Guyana, the delegation will continue to Brazil and the United States as they seek to strengthen international support for India’s position.