Colombia Shifts Stance, Backs India After Tharoor’s Diplomacy
May 31, 2025
In a significant diplomatic development, Colombia has withdrawn its earlier statement expressing condolences for the loss of lives in Pakistan during India’s Operation Sindoor and will soon issue a statement strongly supporting India’s position on counter-terrorism. This shift follows a robust diplomatic push led by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, who is heading an all-party Indian delegation visiting Bogotá.
Background of the Controversy
On May 7, 2025, India conducted precision strikes under Operation Sindoor, targeting nine terror infrastructure sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) in response to a terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22 that claimed 26 lives. Colombia’s initial response, expressing condolences for the loss of lives in Pakistan, sparked disappointment in New Delhi, as it appeared to overlook the context of India’s actions against terrorism.
Tharoor, leading a multi-party delegation to five countries, expressed India’s dismay during a press conference in Bogotá. He emphasized that there is no moral equivalence between terrorists and those defending their nation, highlighting Pakistan’s complicity in supporting cross-border 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 sympathising with the victims of terrorism,” Tharoor said.
Diplomatic Outreach and Colombia’s Reversal
During a meeting with Colombia’s Vice Foreign Minister Rosa Yolanda Villavicencio, Tharoor and the delegation presented evidence, including images of Pakistani military officials attending the funerals of terrorists, underscoring Pakistan’s support for terrorism. This compelling case led Colombia to retract its earlier statement.
Tharoor announced the development on May 30, 2025, stating, “We had some good news: They have withdrawn their earlier statement that disappointed us and will issue a statement of strong support for our position and understanding of our position.” This reversal was welcomed by delegation members, including BJP MP Tejasvi Surya, who noted the importance of distinguishing between “tourists being killed and terrorists being neutralized.”
Implications for India-Colombia Relations
This diplomatic win strengthens India’s global outreach efforts to highlight Pakistan’s role in fostering terrorism. The Indian delegation’s visit to Colombia, part of a broader mission to 33 countries, underscores India’s commitment to clarifying its stance on terrorism and securing international support. Colombia’s decision to align with India’s position is a testament to the effectiveness of Tharoor’s diplomacy and the delegation’s efforts to present a clear narrative.
The move also highlights the growing importance of India’s diplomatic engagements in Latin America, with Tharoor’s delegation having visited Panama and Guyana before arriving in Colombia. As India continues to build global alliances, such developments reinforce its zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism.
Looking Ahead
Colombia’s forthcoming statement in support of India is expected to further solidify bilateral ties and reflect a shared understanding of the global fight against terrorism. As Tharoor noted in Bogotá, standing before a bust of Mahatma Gandhi, this outcome marks a step toward stronger dialogue between the two nations.
Stay tuned to kishanbaraiya.com for more updates on India’s global outreach and diplomatic endeavors.
Sources: The Hindu, Outlook India, New Indian Express