Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, leading an all-party parliamentary delegation, met Panama Assembly President Dana Castaneda on Tuesday (local time) and reiterated India’s firm stance against terrorism. During the meeting, the Thiruvananthapuram MP briefed the Panamanian leadership about the recent terror attack in Pahalgam and India’s measured but firm response.
“We all come from different political backgrounds and different parts of India, but we are united in national purpose… After the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, we waited to see whether the Pakistan government would take any action against the perpetrators of the terrible crime. When nothing was clearly being done, two weeks later, on the 7th of May, we attacked the known headquarters of terrorist bases inside Pakistan,” Tharoor said.
“We had no interest in starting a war, but we felt that a terrorist act must not go unpunished,” he added.
Tharoor emphasized the bipartisan unity in India when it comes to safeguarding national security and addressing terrorism. He also appealed for Panama’s support and understanding in the event of any future incidents.
“We do believe, unfortunately, that this problem (terrorist attacks sponsored by Pakistan) is not over and if there is another terrorist incident tomorrow, we believe that we will not have to come back here, we will have your understanding in advance,” Tharoor said.
In response, Panama Assembly President Dana Castaneda assured her country’s commitment to fighting terrorism:
“We have a very strong law against terrorism.”
The Indian delegation arrived in Panama City for a three-day official visit after concluding engagements in Guyana. According to a statement by the Indian Embassy in Panama, the MPs will be interacting with Panamanian leadership, media, strategic thinkers, and the Indian diaspora to reinforce India’s message of unity and zero tolerance for terrorism.
“The delegation will be interacting with Panamanian leadership and key interlocutors from media, strategic community, Indian community and diaspora, and friends of India in Panama, underlining our strong message of unity and brotherhood as well as India’s collective resolve to fight against the scourge of terrorism,” read a statement by the Indian Embassy in Panama.
“An all-party parliamentary delegation from India, led by Dr Shashi Tharoor, Hon’ble Member of Parliament, will be visiting the Republic of Panama from 27-29 May 2025 to convey India’s strong message of zero-tolerance for terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.”
The delegation led by Shashi Tharoor includes Members of Parliament Sarfaraz Ahmed, G M Harish Balayogi, Shashank Mani Tripathi, Tejasvi Surya, Bhubaneswar Kalita, Mallikarjun Devda, Milind Deora, and former Indian Ambassador to the United States, Taranjit Singh Sandhu.