How Is Panama Supporting India in the Fight Against Terrorism?

Panama City, May 28 (NationPress) - In a resolute statement, the President of the National Assembly of Panama, Dana Castaneda, expressed support for India in its efforts to combat terrorism following a meeting with a parliamentary delegation led by Shashi Tharoor.

During a press conference after their discussions in the capital, Castaneda remarked, “The message conveyed by the Indian delegation has been comprehensively understood by us.”

She continued, “Panama is committed to standing alongside India in this pursuit of peace, and we aspire to successfully combat terrorism.”

“We have elaborated on these matters in great detail, which will enhance our understanding of India's struggle against terrorism,” she added.

The Indian delegation was visiting this Central American nation as part of their mission to advocate for zero tolerance towards terrorism, particularly in light of the devastating attack in Pahalgam that resulted in the tragic loss of 26 lives at the hands of terrorists linked to Pakistan.

The Indian government initiated Operation Sindoor to target nine terrorism hubs in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). In response, Islamabad escalated its attacks on various locations in India, including temples and other sacred sites.

During the meeting at the National Assembly, prominent Senators including Edwin Vergara and Julio de la Guardia were present. De la Guardia, notably, is a former ambassador to India.

Tharoor conveyed to the Panamanian legislators, “We had no desire to instigate a conflict, but we believed that the terrorist activities could not go unpunished.”

“Thus, we executed meticulously measured strikes on nine terrorist locations that are recognized as such by the United Nations Sanctions Committee,” he stated.

“This was a response to retribution, not the commencement of an extended war. We aimed to send a definitive message to the terrorists,” he added.

After the heinous attack, India waited for two weeks to see if Pakistan would take action against the terrorists and only moved forward with Operation Sindoor when Islamabad showed no signs of intervention.

Tharoor shared on X that they also met with Kathy Bhiku, who he referred to as a “colleague” of Castaneda.

He presented Castaneda with a Kashmiri shawl from the region affected by terrorism, to which she responded with a warrior symbol, encouraging India to continue its fight with resolve.

The delegation, which commenced its journey in New York, had previously visited Guyana, engaging with leaders including President Mohd Irfaan Ali and Prime Minister Mark Anthony Phillips.

Following their time in Panama, they are scheduled to visit Colombia and Brazil before returning to the US on June 3 for additional discussions in Washington.

Reflecting a unified stance against terrorism, the group is led by Tharoor from the opposition Congress Party and includes representatives from various parties across India, such as the Lok Janshakti Party, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha, Shiv Sena, and the BJP.

Upon arriving in Panama, Kalita shared on X that the team is “reaffirming India’s united stand against terrorism and dedication to global peace. Democratic solidarity and international cooperation are paramount.”

Tharoor told the National Assembly members that despite their diverse political backgrounds, “we are unified in our mission’s purpose.”

The Indian parliamentarians also visited the Indian Cultural Centre in Panama City, where Tharoor noted the poignant sight of their Muslim colleague Sarfaraz Ahmed joining his Hindu and Sikh counterparts at the temple.