Shashi Tharoor, a prominent Indian Member of Parliament, has voiced his strong disapproval regarding Colombia's reaction to India's recent military operation, codenamed "Sindoor". Tharoor, currently part of a parliamentary delegation visiting Colombia to reinforce India's stance against terrorism, expressed his disappointment that the Colombian government appeared to equate India and Pakistan in their statements following the operation.
Operation Sindoor was launched in response to a devastating terror attack in Pahalgam, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians. India retaliated by targeting terrorist infrastructure across the border in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Tharoor has been actively involved in explaining India's position to various international partners, emphasizing that the operation was a targeted and proportionate response to a clear act of terrorism. He has stressed that India has no desire for escalation but will not hesitate to defend itself against cross-border terrorism.
Tharoor's primary objection stems from the perceived equivalence drawn between India and Pakistan in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor. He argues that there is a fundamental difference between a state that dispatches terrorists and a state that defends itself against terrorism. He has been a vocal critic of Pakistan's alleged support for terrorist groups operating on Indian soil and has asserted that this support cannot be ignored when assessing the situation.
During his visit to Colombia, Tharoor reiterated that India possesses concrete evidence linking Pakistan-sponsored terrorism to the Pahalgam attack. He highlighted the long history of terror attacks that India has endured for almost four decades, drawing a parallel to Colombia's own experiences with terrorism. He conveyed India's willingness to engage in detailed discussions with Colombia to provide a comprehensive understanding of the circumstances surrounding Operation Sindoor.
Tharoor's stance reflects a broader concern within India regarding the international community's perception of the country's relationship with Pakistan. He has consistently argued against the "re-hyphenation" of India and Pakistan in global discourse, asserting that the two countries should not be treated as equals, particularly when it comes to the issue of terrorism. He has emphasized that India has successfully established itself as a responsible and peace-loving nation, while Pakistan's alleged support for terrorism should be a key differentiating factor.
The issue of Operation Sindoor has also stirred up controversy within India. An Ashoka University professor was arrested for his social media remarks about the operation, and a film announcement based on the operation sparked backlash. These incidents highlight the sensitivity surrounding the issue and the importance of carefully considering the implications of any statements or actions related to it.
Tharoor's firm stance on the matter underscores India's commitment to combating terrorism and its determination to hold those who support it accountable. He aims to ensure that the international community understands the distinction between India's actions as a victim of terrorism and Pakistan's alleged role as a sponsor of terrorism. His recent comments in Colombia, as well as in Panama and Guyana, serve as a clear message that India will not tolerate any attempts to equate the two countries in this regard and will continue to advocate for a united global front against terrorism.
