Following intense diplomatic efforts, Colombia has reversed its stance on Operation Sindoor, aligning with India’s fight against terrorism after initially condoling deaths in Pakistan.
Bogota, Colombia: On May 31, 2025, Colombia withdrew its statement condoling deaths in Pakistan during India’s Operation Sindoor and pledged to issue a new statement strongly supporting India’s stance, as confirmed by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor during an all-party delegation visit to Bogota. The shift came after India expressed disappointment over Colombia’s initial response, which overlooked the victims of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians, mostly Indian tourists.
From Condolence to Support
Tharoor, leading the delegation, announced the development after meeting Colombia’s Vice Foreign Minister Rosa Yolanda Villavicencio on May 30. “We met with the Foreign Ministry, and they have withdrawn their earlier statement that disappointed us, promising strong support for our position,” Tharoor said at Tadeo Lozano University, where the delegation paid floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi. The Colombian reversal followed a detailed briefing by the Indian team, which clarified the timeline and context of Operation Sindoor—a May 7 retaliatory strike targeting nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir after the Pahalgam massacre by The Resistance Front, a Lashkar-e-Taiba affiliate.
India’s Firm Stance on Terrorism
Tharoor had earlier expressed dismay on May 29, stating, “There can be no equivalence between those who dispatch terrorists and those who defend.” He emphasized India’s right to self-defense, a point echoed by BJP MP Shashank Mani, who noted Colombia’s own history with terrorism. “Colombia understands our position well, having emerged from conflict. We seek peace but will respond firmly to every terrorist attack,” Mani said. Former Indian Ambassador to the US, BJP leader Taranjit Singh Sandhu, highlighted the delegation’s role in the shift, noting Colombia’s upcoming Security Council membership as a key factor in fostering mutual understanding.
Colombian Leadership Engages
The delegation met former Colombian President Cesar Gaviria on May 30, who expressed solidarity with India’s anti-terrorism efforts. Gaviria, leader of Colombia’s largest party, committed to publicly supporting India’s stance. Villavicencio, after the meeting, affirmed, “With the detailed information we now have about the situation in Kashmir, we can continue this dialogue.” The delegation also engaged with Colombian Congress members, think tanks, and media, reinforcing India’s zero-tolerance policy on terrorism. Posts on X reflect positive sentiment, with users praising the delegation’s success in exposing Pakistan’s role in terrorism.
Global Outreach Continues
The Tharoor-led team, including MPs from BJP, Shiv Sena, JMM, and TDP, is part of India’s broader outreach to 33 countries to explain Operation Sindoor. Having visited Panama and Guyana, the delegation heads to Brazil and the US next. A geopolitical angle emerged with speculation of China’s influence—via its Belt and Road Initiative ties with Colombia—behind the initial pro-Pakistan stance, though Colombia’s quick retraction suggests India’s diplomatic clarity prevailed.
