Colombia Retracts Statement on Pakistan Following Diplomatic Engagement with India

 Bogotá/New Delhi, May 30 — In a noteworthy diplomatic development, Colombia has officially retracted its earlier statement expressing condolences to Pakistan in the aftermath of India’s Operation Sindoor. The announcement follows a high-level engagement led by Indian Member of Parliament Dr. Shashi Tharoor, who conveyed New Delhi’s concerns regarding Colombia’s initial response.

Colombia’s Vice Foreign Minister, Ms. Rosa Yolanda Villavicencio, confirmed the retraction during a joint statement with Dr. Tharoor on Friday. “We are very confident that with the explanation we received today, and the detailed information now available regarding the real situation, the conflict, and what transpired in Kashmir, we can continue this dialogue constructively,” she stated.

Dr. Tharoor, representing the Indian government’s global outreach mission, welcomed the move. “The Vice Minister very graciously acknowledged the withdrawal of the earlier statement. We deeply appreciate Colombia’s recognition of our position and their willingness to engage in continued dialogue,” he said.

The Indian delegation also met with MP Alejandro Toro, President of the Second Commission of the Chamber of Representatives, where Dr. Tharoor reiterated India’s long-standing position on terrorism. “There can be no equivalence between terrorists and innocent civilians. Between those who attack sovereign nations and those who defend them. Our only disappointment with Colombia’s earlier statement was that it seemed to blur this critical distinction,” Tharoor emphasized.

“We are heartened by Colombia’s decision to revise its stance, and equally encouraged by the country’s commitment to strengthening bilateral understanding and supporting peace, both regionally and globally,” he added.

Initial Diplomatic Concern

The Indian delegation had arrived in Colombia on Thursday as part of an outreach tour covering Guyana, Panama, and Colombia, aimed at reinforcing international consensus against Pakistan-sponsored terrorism. Shortly after arrival, Dr. Tharoor had expressed dismay at Colombia’s earlier remarks.

“We were disappointed by the Colombian government’s reaction, which expressed condolences over casualties in Pakistan following India’s defensive action, rather than standing in solidarity with the victims of terrorism,” he stated during a press briefing.

He further clarified, “There can be no equivalence between those who sponsor terrorism and those who combat it. Our actions are rooted in the principle of self-defence, and we are here to clarify any misunderstanding on that front.”

This diplomatic turnaround by Colombia marks a positive step in India’s efforts to foster international support against terrorism, reaffirming the importance of nuanced understanding and mutual respect in global partnerships.