In a notable diplomatic development, Colombia has retracted its earlier statement expressing condolences over Pakistan casualties in the recent Operation Sindoor, after objections raised by Indian representatives.
During an official visit to Bogota, a senior Indian parliamentarian leading an all-party delegation to the Americas conveyed India's disappointment regarding the initial Colombian expression of sympathy towards Pakistan. The delegation highlighted that condolences were extended to Pakistani victims following Indian military actions, rather than to the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack in India.
The Indian delegation emphasized that there is no equivalence between countries supporting terrorist activities and those defending their sovereignty. They underscored India's position of exercising its right to self-defense against terrorism, requesting clarification to avoid misunderstandings about these core principles.
Following a high-level meeting with Colombia's Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Rosa Yolanda Villavicencio, the Indian delegates received clarifications about the situation in Kashmir, which the Colombian side acknowledged. Subsequently, Colombia officially withdrew the contentious statement, fully recognizing and supporting India's stance on the matter.
The Indian delegation's visit to Colombia is part of a broader diplomatic outreach to the Americas, aimed at consolidating support against terrorism and promoting India's viewpoint internationally. After Colombia, the delegation plans to continue engagements in Brazil and the United States.
