Shashi Tharoor-Led Indian Delegation Concludes ‘Successful & Meaningful’ Visit To Colombia

An all-party Indian Parliamentary delegation, led by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, departed from Colombia for Brazil after completing a ‘successful and meaningful’ visit.

The visit is part of Operation Sindoor, India’s global diplomatic campaign to build international consensus against cross-border terrorism and to reaffirm its zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism.

India Highlights Anti-Terror Stand In Colombia

The Indian Embassy in Colombia confirmed the delegation’s departure and unequivocally conveyed India’s firm stance on terrorism during the visit.

In a post on social media platform X, the embassy said, “India’s steadfast commitment to fighting terrorism in all its forms was conveyed in the clearest terms. Operation Sindoor stands as a testament to India’s zero-tolerance approach—there can be no coexistence between terror and dialogue, between trade and bloodshed.”

Delegation Interacts With Indian Diaspora And Colombian Citizens

During their stay, India’s Ambassador to Colombia, Vanlalhuma, hosted a reception for the visiting MPs.

The event provided an opportunity for delegation members to engage with both the Indian diaspora and Colombian citizens, emphasising India’s evolving counter-terrorism strategy.

The delegation arrived in Colombia on May 26.

Besides Shashi Tharoor, members included Shambhavi (LJP-Ram Vilas), Sarfraz Ahmad (JMM), GM Harish Balayogi (TDP), Shashank Mani Tripathi (BJP), Milind Murli Deora (Shiv Sena), Bhubaneswar Kalita (BJP), and Tejasvi Surya (BJP). Ambassador Taranjit Singh Sandhu also accompanied the delegation.

Colombia Withdraws Controversial Statement On Pakistan

One of the key developments during the visit was Colombia’s retraction of an earlier statement that had offered condolences over deaths in Pakistan following Indian strikes under Operation Sindoor.

Indian officials criticised the original statement, viewing it as creating a false equivalence between terrorists and their victims.

Colombia’s Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Rosa Yolanda Villavicencio, acknowledged India’s concerns and assured the delegation of Colombia’s support.

She stated, “We are very confident that with the explanations that we received today and with the detailed information that we now have regarding the real situation on what happened in Kashmir, we can now follow and continue the dialogue.”

Tharoor confirmed this during a media interaction, stating, “The Vice Minister graciously mentioned they have withdrawn the statement we had expressed concern about, and they fully understand our position, which we deeply value.”

Political And Diplomatic Support From Colombian Leadership

Former Colombian President Cesar Augusto Gaviria Trujillo, now a senior leader in the country’s largest political party, also extended his solidarity with India.

He stated, “Colombia has solidarity with India. We check any kind of terrorism, and be certain that under any circumstances, we will be on your side.”

Colombia has responded significantly, as it is preparing to assume a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council next year, running unopposed for the Latin American seat.

Indian Delegation Stresses Need For Global Unity Against Terror

Shashi Tharoor used the platform to reiterate India’s firm position on terrorism.

He noted, “The only way to achieve peace is for Pakistan to end its terrorist acts and for those identified as perpetrators of these acts, which have left only death and devastation in their wake, to be punished.”

Other delegation members also echoed these sentiments. BJP MP Bhubaneswar Kalita wrote on X, “In #Colombia, held meaningful talks with key leaders of the National Congress who expressed strong support for India’s sovereignty & resolute stand against terrorism.”

Also Read: Indian Delegation Visits Spain To Reaffirm Zero-Tolerance Policy On Terrorism