Senior Congress MP Shashi Tharoor expressed disappointment over Colombia's reaction to the recent Indian military operation against terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Reacting to Colombia’s message of condolence for the lives lost in Pakistan following Operation Sindoor, Tharoor emphasized that there can be no moral equivalence between a nation dispatching terrorists and a nation defending itself from terror.
Mr. Tharoor, currently visiting Colombia as part of India’s international outreach, said, “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.”
He reiterated that the April 22 Pahalgam attack, in which 26 Indian civilians were killed, was a Pakistan-sponsored act of terrorism. “India is simply exercising its right to self-defence,” Tharoor said, underlining that India has concrete evidence supporting its claim. He also pointed out Colombia’s own history of battling terrorism and expressed hope for better mutual understanding.
Tharoor is leading a multi-party Indian parliamentary delegation on a tour that includes Panama, Guyana, and now Colombia, as part of a strategic initiative to reinforce India's global narrative against terrorism following the Pahalgam attack. The delegation comprises lawmakers from different Indian political parties including BJP, Shiv Sena, Telugu Desam Party, and Jharkhand Mukti Morcha, along with former Indian Ambassador to the US, Taranjit Singh Sandhu.
During their time in Bogota, the Indian delegation is engaging with Colombian Members of Congress, government ministers, think tanks, and media representatives to provide clarity on India’s position and actions. The outreach is part of a broader diplomatic campaign where seven Indian delegations have been sent to 33 global capitals to build international consensus against terrorism emanating from Pakistan.
Tharoor also commented on China's role, noting that it supplies around 81% of Pakistan’s military equipment. He questioned the term "defence" in this context, suggesting that much of Pakistan's military buildup is offensive in nature, not defensive. He referenced the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor as a factor contributing to Pakistan’s military capabilities.
Tensions between India and Pakistan have remained high following India’s May 7 strikes and Pakistan’s subsequent retaliatory attempts on May 8, 9, and 10. The conflict de-escalated after military talks on May 10 between the directors general of military operations of both nations, resulting in an agreement to halt further hostilities. Tharoor's remarks in Colombia not only highlight India’s frustration with international reactions that appear to equate terrorist and counter-terrorist actions, but also underscore the country's resolve to defend itself while continuing to seek global solidarity against terrorism.
