Bogota [Colombia], May 31: In a diplomatic success for India’s global outreach campaign against terrorism, Colombia has officially withdrawn a statement it earlier made expressing condolences for the loss of lives in Pakistan following India’s Operation Sindoor. This move comes after strong objections were raised by India, particularly by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, who is leading an all-party parliamentary delegation to Latin America.
The delegation’s visit is part of India’s broader international initiative to highlight its zero-tolerance stance against terrorism and to correct perceived international misunderstandings following recent escalations between India and Pakistan.
India’s Firm Rebuttal to Colombia’s Initial Statement
During a press conference in Bogota, Tharoor expressed disappointment over Colombia’s earlier statement, which appeared to sympathize with Pakistan rather than condemn the Pahalgam terror attack, which had prompted India’s military response under Operation Sindoor.
“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 sympathising with the victims of terrorism,” said Tharoor.
“There can be no equivalence between those who dispatch terrorists and those who resist them. We are only exercising our right of self-defence,” he emphasized.
Colombia Withdraws Statement Following Indian Delegation’s Engagement
Following discussions with Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Rosa Yolanda Villavicencio and senior officials from Colombia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Colombian government acknowledged India’s concerns and withdrew the original statement.
Speaking to ANI, the Colombian Vice Minister said:
“We are very confident with the explanation that we received today and the detailed information that we now have regarding the real situation… we can also continue the dialogue.”
Tharoor, expressing appreciation, confirmed:
“The Vice Minister very graciously mentioned that they have withdrawn the statement that we had expressed concern about and that they fully understand our position on the matter, which is something we really value.”
On X (formerly Twitter), Tharoor shared:
“Began today with an excellent meeting with the Vice Minister… I expressed India’s view of recent events and voiced disappointment at Colombia’s statement on 8 May. The Minister assured me that the statement had been withdrawn and that our position was now properly understood and strongly supported.”
Strengthening Global Consensus Against Terrorism
Tharoor’s multi-party delegation includes representatives from various Indian political parties, highlighting bipartisan consensus on India’s international messaging on terrorism. The visit to Colombia follows similar outreach efforts in Panama and Guyana, and will continue in Brazil and the United States.
This diplomatic correction marks a notable success for India in ensuring international clarity on its counterterrorism narrative and in building support for its actions following terror incidents, including cross-border strikes on terror infrastructure.