Why Did Colombia Retract Its Condolence Statement Regarding Terrorists Killed in 'Operation Sindoor'?

Bogota, May 31 (NationPress) - Colombia’s Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Rosa Yolanda Villavicencio has announced the retraction of a previous statement that inadvertently expressed condolences regarding the fatalities in Pakistan from 'Operation Sindoor', as noted by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, who is leading a Parliamentary delegation.

“The vice minister graciously confirmed the withdrawal of the statement that had raised concerns, and acknowledged our position on the matter, which we greatly appreciate,” Tharoor informed the media after their meeting on Friday.

Tharoor previously voiced his disappointment with Colombia’s statement that seemed to create an inaccurate equivalence between the terrorists eliminated in 'Operation Sindoor' and their victims in Pahalgam.

Standing beside Tharoor, Villavicencio remarked, “We are now confident that with the clarifications received and the comprehensive understanding of the actual events in Kashmir, we can proceed and continue our dialogue.”

It is crucial for Colombia, a nation that has endured the impacts of terrorism, to comprehend the ramifications of such violence, especially as it prepares to take a seat on the UN Security Council next year.

Colombia is running unopposed for the Latin American seat in the upcoming election.

In a meeting with Colombian media, Tharoor expressed that India felt “somewhat disheartened by the Colombian government’s response, which seemingly conveyed heartfelt condolences for the lives lost in Pakistan following the Indian strikes, rather than extending sympathy to the victims of terrorism” in Jammu and Kashmir.

Rather than contesting the criticism, Colombia promptly recognized India’s issues regarding the initial statement, which was made without full context, and took steps to amend it.

Former President Cesar Augusto Gaviria Trujillo, a prominent figure in Congress, set the tone for the retraction of Colombia’s statement on Pakistan, asserting on Thursday, “Colombia stands in solidarity with India. We oppose all forms of terrorism, and we will always support you.”

The delegation has made progress in fostering a nuanced understanding of the events following the Pahalgam massacre, executed by The Resistance Front, which is connected to Lashkar-e-Tayiba and backed by Pakistan, alongside the rationale for 'Operation Sindoor'.

During the meeting with Villavicencio, BJP MP Tejasvi Surya stated on X that the Parliamentarians “informed her about the timeline of events, from the Pahalgam terror attack to India’s measured response under 'Operation Sindoor.'”

The MPs also engaged with members of the Colombian Congress, including Alejandro Toro, president of the Second Commission of the Chamber of Representatives, and Jaime Raul. This commission is responsible for international relations.

Colombian leaders gifted Tharoor a wool poncho for the winter in Delhi and a Colombian hat, as he mentioned on X.

The delegation conducted “a comprehensive and extensive interaction” with the nation's leading think tank on global affairs, Consejo Colombiano de Relaciones Internacionales – CORI (Colombian Council on International Relations), as reported by the Embassy in Bogota on X.

The team also paid a visit to Tadeo University and honored Mahatma Gandhi with floral tributes at his statue.

Tharoor, representing the Opposition Congress Party, leads a diverse team from across India's political landscape.

In addition to Tejasvi, the delegation includes Shambhavi from the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), Sarfaraz Ahmad of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha, Milind Murli Deora of the Shiv Sena, as well as Shashank Mani Tripathi, Bhubaneswar Kalita from the BJP, and GM Harish Balayogi of the Telugu Desam Party, an ally in the National Democratic Alliance.

The team has visited two elected members of the Security Council, Guyana, which is set to take the presidency next month, and Panama, which will take over in August. Their next stop is Brazil, an ally of India in advocating for reforms in the Council and mutual support for permanent seats, followed by a trip to Washington next week.