Panama's Support for India in the Fight Against Terrorism: A Diplomatic Meeting
Panama Stands United with India
Panama City: The President of the National Assembly of Panama, Dana Castaneda, expressed the nation's solidarity with India in combating terrorism following a meeting with a parliamentary delegation led by Shashi Tharoor.
After their discussions in Panama's capital on Wednesday (India time), Castaneda remarked, “We have clearly understood the message conveyed by the Indian delegation.”
She emphasized Panama's commitment to support India in its quest for peace and the fight against terrorism.
The delegation's visit to this Central American country is part of a broader mission to advocate for India's stance of zero tolerance towards terrorism, particularly in light of the tragic attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives, attributed to terrorists linked to Pakistan.
In response, India initiated Operation Sindoor, targeting nine terrorist hubs in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), following a series of attacks on Indian sites, including temples and gurdwaras.
During the meeting, senior senators Edwin Vergara and Julio de la Guardia, along with other lawmakers, participated. De la Guardia has previously served as an ambassador to India.
Tharoor conveyed to the Panamanian officials, “We did not seek to instigate a conflict, but the terrorist acts demanded a response.”
He explained that the strikes were meticulously planned against nine locations recognized by the United Nations as terrorist organizations.
Tharoor clarified, “This was a retaliatory action, not the beginning of a prolonged conflict. Our goal was to send a definitive message to the terrorists.”
Following the heinous act, India waited two weeks for Pakistan to take action against the terrorists before launching Operation Sindoor when no action was taken.
On social media, Tharoor shared that they also met Kathy Bhiku, who he referred to as a colleague of Castaneda.
He presented Castaneda with a Kashmiri shawl from the site of the attack, to which she responded with a warrior symbol, encouraging India to persist in its fight.
The delegation, which commenced its mission in New York, previously visited Guyana, where they engaged with President Mohd Irfaan Ali, Prime Minister Mark Anthony Phillips, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, and other leaders and media representatives.
Their next stops include Colombia and Brazil, before returning to the US on June 3 for discussions in Washington.
The team, reflecting a national consensus against terrorism, is led by Tharoor from the opposition Congress Party and includes members from various political backgrounds, such as Shambhavi from the Lok Janshakti Party, Sarfaraz Ahmad from the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha, and Milind Murli Deora from the Shiv Sena, along with representatives from the BJP and the Telugu Desam Party.
Upon arriving in Panama, Kalita stated on social media that the team is “reaffirming India’s united stance against terrorism and commitment to global peace, with democratic solidarity and international cooperation at the forefront.”
Tharoor highlighted the unity of the Indian MPs, stating they come from diverse political backgrounds but share a common mission.
The Indian parliamentarians also visited the Indian Cultural Centre in Panama City, where Tharoor noted the significance of their Muslim colleague Sarfraz Ahmed joining his Hindu and Sikh counterparts in offering prayers at the temple.