NEW DELHI: Colombia has withdrawn its earlier statement perceived as sympathetic to Pakistan following concerns raised by an Indian parliamentary delegation led by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor. The South American nation is expected to issue a revised statement expressing strong support for India’s position.
Tharoor confirmed the development during a briefing from Bogotá, saying, “We met with senior officials from Colombia’s Foreign Ministry. They have withdrawn the statement that initially disappointed us and assured us they will issue a new one showing a better understanding of our stance.”
He emphasized the delegation’s core concern, stating, “There is no equivalence between those who carry out terrorist attacks and those who defend their nations. Our disappointment stemmed from Colombia’s earlier statement, which seemed to blur that distinction. We are pleased that this has been addressed.”
Former Indian Ambassador to the U.S. and senior BJP leader Taranjit Singh Sandhu said the delegation’s detailed briefing helped Colombia reconsider its position. “We engaged thoroughly with Colombia’s acting Foreign Minister, explaining the context and sequence of events. They agreed to withdraw their earlier remarks and conveyed a clear stance on terrorism,” Sandhu noted, highlighting Colombia’s growing diplomatic role as an incoming member of the UN Security Council.
BJP MP Shashank Mani underscored Colombia’s own history with terrorism, drawing parallels with India’s fight. “Colombia has suffered from terrorism and emerged stronger. We’ve come with a message of peace, but have also made clear that India will respond firmly to terrorist attacks.”
The controversy arose after Colombia issued a statement expressing condolences over casualties in Pakistan during India’s Operation Sindoor, without acknowledging the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack. Tharoor, speaking at a press conference in Bogotá, said, “It was disheartening to see condolences for those affected by our counterterrorism operations, but no mention of the victims of terrorism in India.”
He added, “There can be no moral equivalence between those who send terrorists and those who resist them. If any misunderstanding exists, we are here to correct it.”
The Indian delegation, which includes members from across political parties, is currently touring the Americas to reinforce India’s zero-tolerance stance on terrorism. After visiting Panama and Guyana, the group arrived in Colombia on Thursday. They are scheduled to continue to Brazil and the United States this weekend.
