New Delhi: In a notable diplomatic development, Colombia officially retracted its earlier statement expressing condolences for the loss of lives in Pakistan following India’s Operation Sindoor. This change came after a delegation led by Indian MP Shashi Tharoor conveyed disappointment over Colombia’s initial stance in the aftermath of India’s retaliatory strikes.
Colombia’s Vice Foreign Minister, Rosa Yolanda Villavicencio, expressed confidence in the renewed dialogue between the two nations, stating that after receiving detailed explanations about the situation in Kashmir and the conflict, Colombia hoped to continue constructive conversations.
Tharoor, present during the Vice Minister’s announcement, welcomed Colombia’s decision, emphasizing India’s appreciation for the move. He reiterated that the initial concern stemmed from Colombia’s earlier statement, which seemed to equate India’s defensive actions with Pakistan’s terrorist attacks—a comparison India strongly rejects.
“There can be no equivalence between terrorists and innocent civilians, or between those who attack and those who defend their country,” Tharoor said. “Our disappointment was that Colombia’s earlier statement overlooked this crucial difference. We are very pleased that it has now been withdrawn, and that dialogue between our countries will continue.”
Earlier, upon arriving in Colombia as part of India’s global outreach to counter Pakistan-sponsored terrorism, Tharoor had voiced regret over Colombia’s condolences toward Pakistan, stressing India’s right to self-defense and the need to clarify any misunderstandings about the conflict.
This diplomatic exchange highlights India’s efforts to build international support while addressing concerns raised by its partners in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor.
