New Delhi, May 31, 2025: Colombia has decided to issue a statement endorsing India’s position on counterterrorism, reversing its earlier expression of condolences for victims in Pakistan following India’s Operation Sindoor launched on May 7.
During an all-party delegation visit to Bogotá, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor confirmed, "Colombia has withdrawn its previous statement that disappointed us and will now issue a firm statement supporting India’s stance." This development comes a day after Tharoor publicly conveyed India’s disappointment over Colombia’s initial remarks.
Former Indian Ambassador to the United States and BJP leader Taranjit Singh Sandhu attributed this shift to thorough discussions between the delegation and Colombian officials. He stated, "Our detailed interaction with the Acting Foreign Minister clarified the timeline of events, which may have been misunderstood. Colombia’s support is notable, especially as it will soon join the United Nations Security Council."
Colombia’s Vice Foreign Minister Rosa Yolanda Villavicencio expressed optimism, saying, "After receiving the detailed information about the actual situation and conflict in Kashmir, we look forward to continuing constructive dialogue."
Reacting to Colombia’s initial statement on May 30, Tharoor emphasized that India distinguishes clearly between those who sponsor terrorism and those defending their sovereignty. He reiterated India’s possession of concrete evidence linking Pakistan-sponsored terrorism to the April 22 attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 civilian lives.
"India exercises its right to self-defense; like Colombia, which has suffered multiple terrorist attacks, India has endured significant terror threats for nearly four decades," Tharoor added.
The delegation, which arrived in Colombia after stops in Panama and Guyana, includes representatives from several political parties and former diplomats. Engaging with members of the Colombian Congress, ministers, think tanks, and media, the group aims to consolidate international understanding after the Pahalgam attack.
Heightened tensions between India and Pakistan escalated following the Pahalgam attack. India responded with precision strikes on terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on May 7. Subsequent Pakistani attempts to target Indian military bases between May 8 and May 10 were met with strong Indian countermeasures. Hostilities ceased following a military-level agreement on May 10.
