The conflict between India and Pakistan continues to be a focal point of international concern, particularly regarding the issue of terrorism. In a recent development, Shashi Tharoor, an Indian Member of Parliament, and Alejandro Toro, a Colombian Congressman, held a joint press briefing to address the global fight against terrorism, emphasizing the need for international cooperation and stronger bilateral ties between India and Colombia.

Tharoor is currently leading an all-party delegation across the Americas to communicate India's firm stance against terrorism, particularly in light of recent events. The delegation's tour follows "Operation Sindoor," a series of Indian military strikes targeting terrorist camps in Pakistan, which were launched in response to a terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, that resulted in the deaths of 26 people on April 22nd.

During the press briefing, Tharoor and Toro underscored the importance of shared democratic values, intelligence collaboration, and legislative diplomacy in countering radical threats worldwide. Tharoor emphasized that there is "no moral equivalence between terrorists and innocent civilians," and "no equivalence between those who attack our country and those who defend their own country". He expressed disappointment with an earlier statement by the Colombian government, which had expressed condolences for the loss of lives in Pakistan following India's strikes.

However, in a significant turn of events, Colombia has now withdrawn its previous statement and is expected to issue a new statement offering strong support for India's position. This reversal came after Tharoor's delegation met with Colombian officials, including Vice Foreign Minister Rosa Yolanda Villavicencio, to explain India's perspective on the conflict and the urgent need to combat terrorism.

Taranjit Singh Sandhu, a leader from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and former Indian Ambassador to the United States, noted that the delegation's detailed briefing helped reverse the Colombian stance. Colombia's upcoming membership in the UN Security Council adds further importance to its support for India's position.

Tharoor clarified that India is not seeking mediation from third parties, but has received calls from senior officials in the United States, France, UAE and Saudi Arabia. India's message to these countries was clear: it is not interested in war, but acted in retribution for a terrorist attack. According to Tharoor, India will cease its actions if the terrorist attacks stop.

The recent tensions between India and Pakistan escalated after India's strikes, with Pakistan allegedly attempting to target Indian civilian areas and military bases on May 8, 9, and 10. India responded strongly, inflicting serious damage to Pakistani military installations.