Colombia withdraws statement expressing condolences to Pakistan after meeting Indian delegation

Bogota: After Congress MP and leader of an all-party delegation expressed his disappointment with Colombia’s offering condolences to Pakistan over the loss of lives in that country during Operation Sindoor, Colombia withdrew that statement.

Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of Colombia, Rosa Yolanda Villavicencio said: “We are very confident with the explanation that we received today and the detailed information that we now have regarding the real situation, the conflict, and what happened in Kashmir, we can also continue the dialogue…”.

Appreciating the Colombian position on the matter after explaining India’s view and position, Tharoor said: “The Vice Minister very graciously mentioned that they have withdrawn the statement that we had expressed concern about and that they fully understand our position on the matter, which is something we really value.”

“Began today with an excellent meeting with the Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of Colombia, Rosa Yolanda Villavicencio, and her senior colleagues dealing with the Asia-Pacific. I expressed India’s view of recent events and voiced disappointment at Colombia’s statement on 8 May, conveying “heartfelt condolences” to Pakistan. The Minister assured me that the statement had been withdrawn and that our position was now properly understood and strongly supported”, Tharoor added on X.

The Indian delegation also met former president of Colombia Cesar Augusto Gaviria Trujillo, who expressed Colombia’s solidarity with India, stating that the country rejects any form of terrorism. He said his country will be on New Delhi’s side irrespective of circumstances or situation.

“I want to express to all the people of India that Colombia has solidarity with India. We are your friends and partners. We reject any kind of terrorist. Be certain that under any circumstances or situation, we will be on your side…”

Trujillo heads the largest bloc in the Colombian parliament and enjoys significant support in the country.

The delegation led by Tharoor is part of India’s global outreach to expose Pakistan’s support for cross-border terrorist activities and India’s policy of zero-tolerance for terrorism.
The Thiruvananthapuram MP, during a media briefing in Bogota on Thursday, elaborated on India’s position on terrorism, spoke of Operation Sindoor and expressed disappointment over Colombia’s response to the Pahalgam terror attack.

Tharoor reaffirmed India’s stance on terrorism and expressed disappointment over Colombia’s response which has offered condolences for the loss of lives in Pakistan, rather than sympathizing with the victims of terrorism in India.

“There can be no equivalence between those who attack and those who defend,” BJP Parliamentarian Tejasvi Surya said in a social media post. Surya said India, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi will continue to deliver strong responses to terrorism.

The BJP Lok Sabha MP is part of the nine-member delegation that already travelled to Guyana and Panama before reaching Colombia on Thursday. Other members of the delegation include Bhubaneswar Kalita (BJP), Milind Deora (Shiv Sena), Shambhavi (LJP), GM Harish Balayogi (TDP) and former ambassador of India to the US Taranjit Singh Sandhu. During their stay in Bogota, the delegation will interact with Members of Congress, ministers and other key interlocutors in think tanks.

From Colombia, the delegation will travel to Brazil. Finally, it will visit the United States on the last leg of its five-nation trip.