The Colombian government has withdrawn its earlier statement expressing condolences for the loss of lives in Pakistan following India's Operation Sindoor. This reversal came after strong disapproval from an Indian multi-party delegation, led by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, who is currently on an official tour to Bogota. The Colombian government will now issue a new statement that aligns more closely with India's position on counterterrorism.
The initial statement from Colombia had sparked disappointment in India, particularly because it appeared to sympathize with Pakistan in the aftermath of India's counter-terrorism operation. Operation Sindoor was launched by India in response to the Pahalgam attack on April 22, in which 26 civilians were killed in a terrorist attack claimed by The Resistance Front, an offshoot of Lashkar-e-Taiba based in Pakistan.
Shashi Tharoor, leading India's outreach initiative in the Americas, voiced his concerns regarding Colombia's May 8 statement. He emphasized that India's actions were an exercise of its right to self-defense, drawing parallels with Colombia's own struggles with terrorism. Tharoor highlighted the disappointment in Colombia offering condolences over casualties in Pakistan instead of expressing solidarity with the victims of terrorism in India. He stressed that there could be no equivalence between those who dispatch terrorists and those who resist them, and between those who attack and those who defend.
During a meeting with Colombia's Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Rosa Yolanda Villavicencio, the Indian delegation discussed the issue in detail. Following the meeting, the Colombian government offered a clarification and confirmed the withdrawal of its earlier statement. Villavicencio expressed confidence in the information now available to the Colombian side regarding the situation in Kashmir and assured that the dialogue with India would continue, resolving the misunderstanding.
Taranjit Singh Sandhu, former Indian Ambassador to the United States and BJP leader, credited the delegation's detailed explanations for Colombia's shift in stance. He noted that Colombia's growing importance as it is set to become a member of the UN Security Council soon.
This diplomatic success underscores India's effective global outreach in conveying its zero tolerance against terrorism. The episode also highlights the importance of clear communication and engagement in international relations to address misunderstandings and foster stronger ties. The Colombian government's decision to withdraw its statement and align with India's position reflects a deeper understanding of the situation and a commitment to standing together against terrorism.
