Following India's Operation Sindoor, which targeted terrorist training camps in Pakistan, Colombia initially conveyed condolences to Pakistan, a move that drew criticism. Shashi Tharoor, leading an all-party delegation, intervened, resulting in Colombia withdrawing its statement and expressing strong support for India's stance.

The delegation, aimed at exposing Pakistan's support for cross-border terrorism and its links to the Pahalgam terrorist attack on April 22, met with Colombia's Vice Foreign Minister Rosa Yolanda Villavicencio. Tharoor conveyed India's firm stance of zero tolerance for terrorism. He voiced disappointment over Colombia's initial message of condolence to Pakistan, stating that it overlooked the crucial distinction between terrorists and their victims.

Tharoor highlighted that Operation Sindoor was a legitimate response to the Pahalgam massacre, where 26 people, primarily tourists, were killed by terrorists. He pointed out that the attack was claimed by The Resistance Front, a Lashkar-e-Taiba offshoot based in Pakistan. Despite concrete proof and the involvement of a Pakistan-based group, no action was taken by Pakistan.

During discussions, Tharoor presented evidence, including pictures of Pakistani Army officials attending the funerals of terrorists, to demonstrate Pakistan's support and provision of safe havens for terrorists. He argued that there could be no equivalence between those who perpetrate terror and those who defend against it, asserting India's right to self-defense.

Following the delegation's visit and the detailed explanations provided, Colombia withdrew its earlier statement. The Vice Foreign Minister assured the delegation that Colombia now fully understands and strongly supports India's position. Colombia pledged to issue a new statement reflecting this support, acknowledging India's right to defend its sovereignty and conveying solidarity with the victims of terrorism.

The delegation included other members such as Milind Deora and Tejasvi Surya, who also played a key role in the diplomatic efforts. Deora expressed gratitude to former Colombian President Cesar Gaviria for his condemnation of Pakistan and state-sponsored terrorism. Surya echoed the sentiment, expressing joy in Colombia retracting its earlier statement.

This diplomatic success underscores India's commitment to conveying its zero-tolerance stance against terrorism on a global scale. It also highlights the importance of direct engagement and the sharing of information to correct misunderstandings and build international support for India's position on counter-terrorism.