Colombia has withdrawn a previously issued statement expressing sympathy towards Pakistan, now signaling strong support for India’s stance against terrorism. Shashi Tharoor, leading an all-party delegation, indicated successful discussions with Colombian officials during their visit. The delegation aims to reinforce India’s commitment to combating terrorism and continues its diplomatic efforts in the Americas, heading next to Brazil and the U.S.
In a significant diplomatic turn, Colombia has decided to withdraw a statement previously issued that had expressed condolences regarding loss of life during Indian military operations and offered support to Pakistan. Indian Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, leading a multi-party delegation to the Americas, announced this development during a press conference in Bogota. He highlighted that the Colombian government has committed to offering strong support for India’s position on terrorism, indicating a shift away from their earlier stance.
Tharoor shared insights from a meeting with Colombia’s Deputy Foreign Minister, where it was confirmed that Colombian officials had reconsidered their earlier comments which had disappointed the Indian delegation. “We met with the Foreign Ministry – the Senior Vice Minister received us. They have withdrawn their statement that disappointed us earlier and will issue a statement of strong support for our position,” Tharoor remarked, standing before a bust of Mahatma Gandhi at the university.
Former Indian Ambassador to the United States and prominent BJP leader Taranjit Singh Sandhu stressed that the detailed discussions held with Colombian officials had an impact. He conveyed that the Colombian side missed nuances around the timeline related to terrorism issues, but discussions helped clarify India’s position and concerns, leading to their withdrawal of the previous statement.
BJP MP Shashank, not to be confused with Shashi Tharoor, emphasized Colombia’s history with terrorism, noting that the nation has learned the grave impacts of such acts. He stated, “It is notable that terrorism has affected Colombia as well. After a long struggle, Colombia is now a peaceful country. We have come here with a message of peace. We will respond fittingly to every terrorist attack. We seek peace.”
Tharoor expressed dissatisfaction with Colombia’s initial stance, which had appeared sympathetic to Pakistan post-Operation Sindoor, rather than the victims of terrorism in India. He had articulated, “We were a little disappointed in the reaction of the Colombian government, which seemingly expressed condolences over losses in Pakistan, rather than empathizing with victims of terrorism.”
While speaking about the meeting with Colombian officials, Tharoor affirmed his confidence in re-establishing dialogues, remarking that the Vice Minister graciously acknowledged the withdrawal of the statement that had earlier caused concern. He stated, “The Vice Minister mentioned that they have withdrawn the statement that we expressed concern about and they fully understand our position on the matter,” emphasizing the progress made in discussions.
Following their visit to Colombia, the Indian delegation will head to Brazil and the United States on Saturday, continuing their mission of conveying India’s stance on terrorism globally. The delegation’s engagements so far include earlier stops in Panama and Guyana, showcasing India’s efforts to foster international understanding of its commitment to national security against terrorism.
Colombia’s withdrawal of its earlier supportive statement for Pakistan represents a significant achievement for India’s diplomatic efforts, especially regarding global perceptions of terrorism. The effective communication by the Indian delegation has led to a positive reassessment by the Colombian government of its previous stance. This shift underscores the ongoing importance of international dialogue on such sensitive issues, and highlights India’s commitment to a zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism.
Original Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com
