During India’s ongoing global outreach tour under Operation Sindoor, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, leading an all-party parliamentary delegation, visited Bogota, Colombia, where he publicly expressed disappointment regarding the reaction of the Colombian government to recent Indian counter-terrorism strikes in Pakistan-occupied territory.

Tharoor highlighted that Colombia had issued heartfelt condolences for the loss of lives in Pakistan following Indian strikes as part of Operation Sindoor. However, he made it clear that this reaction was misplaced and expressed regret over the failure to equally sympathize with the victims of terrorism in India, who had suffered grievously from attacks for decades. He stated, "We will say to our friends in Colombia, there can be no equivalence between those who dispatch terrorists and those who resist them." He emphasized that India’s actions were a legitimate exercise of self-defense, responding to the April 22 terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir claimed by The Resistance Front, a unit affiliated with Lashkar-e-Taiba, based in Muridke, Pakistan.

Tharoor drew parallels to Colombia’s own struggles with terrorism, underlining that just as Colombia has endured terror attacks, India has faced a persistent terror threat for almost four decades. He lamented that despite the global condemnation following the April 22 terror attack in India, the country where terrorists originate—Pakistan—failed to act, arrest, or prosecute perpetrators.

He further exposed Pakistan’s complicity in terrorism, citing a publicly visible funeral in Pakistan for a terrorist on a sanctions list, which was attended by uniformed senior military and police personnel. This, Tharoor argued, showcased the extent of Pakistan’s support, training, and protection for terrorist groups who continue to threaten India’s security.

In his remarks, Tharoor also discussed the broader geopolitical context. He pointed out that China supplies 81% of Pakistan’s defense equipment, much of which is intended not for defense but for offensive operations. Tharoor referred to China’s China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)—the largest project of China’s Belt and Road Initiative—which connects western China to the Pakistani port of Gwadar, facilitating trade and development. While India respects Pakistan’s right to development and partnership with China, the concern remains the use of such support for terror activities against India.

When asked about the possibility of third-country mediation between India and Pakistan, Tharoor was clear that India had not sought war but acted in measured retaliation for terrorism. He revealed that India had received calls from senior officials in the United States, France, UAE, and Saudi Arabia, emphasizing India’s message: “If Pakistan stops terrorism, India will stop retaliation.” While this message may have influenced Pakistan to reduce provocations, Tharoor stated there was no active mediation process involving India, underscoring that India has never been the belligerent party.

Tharoor’s comments come amid India’s larger diplomatic campaign to highlight the true nature of Pakistan-backed terrorism and to gain global understanding and support. His disappointment in Colombia’s response reflects the challenges India faces in combating international narratives that sometimes equate India’s counter-terrorism measures with aggression.

The visit to Colombia is part of a wider tour by the Indian all-party delegation, which seeks to engage with global partners, clarify India’s position on terrorism and Kashmir, and reinforce India’s commitment to peace through justice and security. Tharoor’s candid remarks emphasize the urgency of global solidarity against terrorism and the need for countries to support victims rather than sympathize with sponsors of terror.

In conclusion, Shashi Tharoor’s stand in Colombia reiterates India’s principled stance on terrorism, self-defense, and peaceful resolution contingent on Pakistan’s cessation of terror sponsorship. It also highlights the diplomatic efforts India is undertaking to reshape international perceptions and secure support for its national security policies.

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