How is Panama President supporting India's anti-terrorism efforts during Shashi Tharoor's visit?

Panama City, May 29 (NationPress) In a pivotal meeting on Thursday (Indian time), Panama President Jose Raul Mulino Quintero expressed his strong support for India's unwavering stance against terrorism during discussions with an all-party Indian parliamentary delegation led by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor.

This important dialogue took place at the Presidential Palace in Panama City and signifies a crucial step in India's efforts to secure global support in combating cross-border terrorism.

Tharoor shared on X, "The Indian delegation had a fruitful and engaging conversation with President Quintero at his palace this afternoon. The President warmly acknowledged and backed India's battle against terrorism."

Demonstrating a unified national front, the delegation included members from various political affiliations, such as Shambhavi of the Lok Janshakti Party, Sarfaraz Ahmad from the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha, Milind Murli Deora of the Shiv Sena, and BJP representatives including Shashank Mani Tripathi, Bhubaneswar Kalita, and Tejasvi Surya, along with GM Harish Balayogi of the Telugu Desam Party.

Beyond the meeting with the President, the delegation also engaged with Panamanian Foreign Minister Javier Martinez-Acha and Vice-Minister Carlos Hoyos, discussing significant issues such as Operation Sindoor and India's commitment to countering Pakistan-sponsored terrorism.

Tharoor remarked on X, "Today, I had a constructive discussion with Foreign Minister Javier Martinez-Acha at his Ministry, followed by a productive lunch with several of his colleagues, including Vice-Minister Carlos Hoyos, and two MPs—a strong testament to the respect India commands here."

Former Indian diplomat Taranjit Singh Sandhu, also part of the delegation, noted, "A successful meeting occurred between the Indian Parliamentary delegation and President Quintero at the Presidential Palace in Panama City. FM Javier Martinez-Acha and senior officials were present. The President emphasized Panama's backing for India and its opposition to terrorism," he shared after the meetings.

During their visit, the delegation honored Mahatma Gandhi by laying floral tributes at his bust at the University of Panama and planting a mango sapling in his memory. Members of the Indian diaspora participated in the tribute ceremony and interacted with the delegation.

National Assembly President Dana Castaneda, who met the delegation earlier, reiterated Panama's support for India's initiatives.

Post-meeting, she conveyed, "The message from the Indian delegation has been received loud and clear. Panama is committed to standing alongside India in the pursuit of peace, and we aspire to eradicate terrorism together."

This visit by the delegation, led by Shashi Tharoor, represents the third phase of India's global outreach following the tragic Pahalgam terror attack, which resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians at the hands of Pakistan-linked terrorists.

The ongoing international initiative aims to reinforce India's message of zero tolerance for terrorism while fostering global consensus on counterterrorism strategies.