Colombia Retracts Statement on Pakistan Following Tharoor's Concerns

In a significant diplomatic victory for India, Colombia has retracted its earlier statement expressing condolences for the loss of lives in Pakistan. This change follows concerns raised by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, who is leading an all-party delegation in the Americas. Tharoor expressed disappointment over Colombia's initial sympathy towards Pakistan instead of acknowledging the victims of terrorism. After discussions with Colombian officials, the Vice Minister confirmed the withdrawal of the statement, emphasizing a better understanding of India's position. This development highlights India's ongoing efforts to assert its stance against terrorism on the global stage.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 31, 2025, 07:46 IST

India's Diplomatic Efforts Yield Results in Colombia

In a notable achievement for India's diplomatic outreach, Colombia has retracted its earlier statement expressing condolences for the loss of lives in Pakistan. This shift comes after India's concerns were raised regarding Colombia's initial sympathies towards Pakistan following Operation Sindoor.

During a press conference in Bogota, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, who is leading an all-party delegation, voiced his disappointment over Colombia's previous stance. He emphasized that the Colombian government should have expressed sympathy for the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack instead of offering condolences to Pakistan.

Tharoor's Disappointment Over Colombia's Initial Sympathy

Tharoor remarked, "We were somewhat disheartened by the Colombian government's reaction, which seemed to prioritize condolences for Pakistan over acknowledging the victims of terrorism." He further clarified, "There is no equivalence between those who send terrorists and those who defend against them. We are merely exercising our right to self-defense, and we aim to clarify any misunderstandings regarding this matter."

Following a meeting with Colombia's Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Rosa Yolanda Villavicencio, Tharoor expressed optimism about the dialogue. Villavicencio stated, "We are confident in the explanations provided today, which have given us a clearer understanding of the situation in Kashmir and the ongoing conflict."

Colombia's Withdrawal of the Statement

After discussing India's perspective, Tharoor appreciated Colombia's revised position. He stated, "The Vice Minister graciously confirmed that they have withdrawn the statement we were concerned about and that they now fully comprehend our stance, which we greatly appreciate."

Tharoor tweeted about his productive meeting with Villavicencio, expressing his disappointment regarding Colombia's earlier statement from May 8, which conveyed condolences to Pakistan. He noted that the Minister assured him of the statement's withdrawal and that India's position is now understood and supported.

Tharoor's delegation, which has already visited Panama and Guyana, arrived in Colombia as part of India's efforts to promote its stance against terrorism. After concluding their visit to Colombia, the delegation is set to travel to Brazil and the United States.