In a significant diplomatic development, Colombia has retracted its earlier statement expressing condolences over casualties in Pakistan resulting from India's Operation Sindoor. This move comes following intervention by an Indian parliamentary delegation led by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, marking a setback for Pakistan's diplomatic stance.
Initially, after the execution of Operation Sindoor, which involved precise Indian Army air strikes, Colombia extended condolences to Pakistan for the loss of lives. However, the Indian delegation clarified the distinction between terrorists neutralized during the operation and innocent civilians, emphasizing that the two should not be conflated.
During a meeting with Alejandro Toro, President of the Second Commission of Colombia’s Chamber of Representatives, Tharoor underscored that there is no equivalence between terrorists and innocent civilians, or between attackers of a country and those defending it. He expressed disappointment over Colombia's earlier statement, which appeared to overlook this critical differentiation.
Tharoor had earlier addressed the media expressing India's firm stance against terrorism and voiced concern over the Colombian government's sympathetic response towards Pakistani casualties rather than showing support for Indian victims of terrorism. BJP parliamentarian Tejasvi Surya also highlighted this position, reiterating India's stance on the issue.
Following the Indian delegation’s diplomatic efforts, Colombia’s Vice Foreign Minister, Rosa Yolanda Villavicencio, announced the official withdrawal of the previous statement. She expressed optimism about continuing constructive dialogue, stating that Colombia now better understands the conflict's realities, particularly the situation in Kashmir.
Tharoor welcomed the retraction, appreciating Colombia’s acknowledgment of India’s perspective and the commitment to ongoing discussions. This development represents a notable diplomatic success for India in countering narratives unfavorable to its national security interests.
