New Delhi: Colombia is set to publicly endorse India's stance on terrorism, reversing its earlier condolence statement regarding deaths in Pakistan following India's Operation Sindoor launched on May 7.
Leading a multi-party delegation in Colombia, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor confirmed, "They have withdrawn their earlier statement, which had caused disappointment, and will now issue a strong statement supporting our position." Tharoor expressed concern the previous day over Colombia's initial response, highlighting New Delhi’s dissatisfaction.
Former Indian Ambassador to the United States and BJP leader Taranjit Singh Sandhu credited detailed diplomatic discussions for influencing the Colombian reversal. "This morning, we engaged in a comprehensive dialogue with the acting Foreign Minister where our delegation clarified critical timelines they might have overlooked. Colombia’s impending membership in the UN Security Council underscores the significance of their support," Sandhu stated.
Colombia's Vice Foreign Minister Rosa Yolanda Villavicencio acknowledged the detailed briefing, saying, "With the information received today about the conflict and events in Kashmir, we are confident to continue an informed dialogue going forward."
Tharoor emphasized that India views no equivalence between states sponsoring terrorism and a nation defending itself. He reaffirmed that India possesses concrete evidence tying Pakistan-sponsored terror groups to the April 22 Pahalgam massacre where 26 civilians were killed. "We exercise our right to self-defense. Like Colombia, India has endured decades of terrorism," he added.
The delegation arrived in Colombia after visits to Panama and Guyana and plans consultations with Colombian parliamentarians, ministers, media, and think tanks during their stay in Bogota. Members include representatives from diverse political parties and former ambassador Taranjit Singh Sandhu.
This delegation is part of an Indian initiative deploying seven multi-party groups to 33 global capitals aimed at strengthening international understanding following the Pahalgam terrorist attack.
The situation escalated after the attack, triggering India's precision strikes on terror infrastructure across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on May 7. Subsequent days saw cross-border military engagements, which ceased after diplomatic talks between military officials on May 10 lodged a de-escalation agreement.
