New Delhi: Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has voiced his disappointment towards Colombia's expression of condolences for the casualties suffered in Pakistan following India's Operation Sindoor. Speaking from Bogotá, Tharoor emphasized that there can be no equivalence between nations that sponsor terrorism and those defending themselves against such attacks.
Tharoor, part of a multi-party delegation visiting Colombia as part of India's global diplomatic outreach, criticized the Colombian government's reaction, which sympathized with losses in Pakistan after Indian strikes rather than acknowledging the victims of terrorism. "We were a little disappointed in the reaction of the Colombian government, which apparently expressed heartfelt condolences on the loss of lives in Pakistan after the Indian strikes, rather than sympathizing with the victims of terrorism," he stated.
The delegation aims to reinforce India's position against terrorism worldwide. Tharoor reiterated that India possesses concrete evidence linking the April 22 Pahalgam attack, where 26 civilians were killed, to Pakistan-sponsored terror groups. "We are exercising our right to self-defense. Just as Colombia has endured terror attacks, India has faced many over four decades," he added.
Addressing military equipment supplies, Tharoor highlighted China's role as the supplier of 81% of Pakistan's defense hardware and referenced the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. He clarified, "Much of this military equipment is not for defense but for offense. Our quarrel is with the perpetration of terror against us."
The delegation, comprising MPs from multiple parties and former Indian Ambassador to the US Taranjit Singh Sandhu, arrived in Colombia after visits to Panama and Guyana. They are scheduled to meet Colombian lawmakers, ministers, think tanks, and media representatives to discuss India's stance comprehensively.
This visit is part of a broader diplomatic effort by India involving seven multi-party delegations tasked with visiting 33 global capitals to present India's perspective following the Pahalgam terror attack.
The Pahalgam attack resulted in heightened tensions between India and Pakistan. In response, India conducted precision strikes targeting terrorist infrastructure across the Line of Control on May 7. Pakistan retaliated with attempts to attack Indian military bases on May 8, 9, and 10, which were met with strong Indian defenses. Hostilities ceased following discussions between the directors general of military operations from both countries on May 10.
