Colombia Retracts Statement on 'Operation Sindoor', Backs India's Anti-Terror Stance
Colombia has withdrawn an earlier statement that inadvertently expressed condolences over deaths in Pakistan related to 'Operation Sindoor'. Following discussions with an Indian parliamentary delegation led by Shashi Tharoor, Colombia's Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs announced the retraction. Colombia, citing its own past struggles with terrorism, now better understands India's position and will issue a statement of strong support for India's zero-tolerance policy against terrorism.
Unpacked:
Operation Sindoor was an Indian military response to a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, allegedly backed by Pakistan, which resulted in 26 deaths. India targeted terror bases linked to anti-India groups in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, leading to escalated military exchanges and casualties in Pakistan.
Colombia's initial condolences appeared to sympathize with Pakistani casualties during Operation Sindoor, which could be interpreted as criticism of India's counter-terrorism operation. This was controversial because it overlooked the context of terrorism and India's stated focus on targeting only terror infrastructure, not civilians or military establishments.
After discussions with Shashi Tharoor and the Indian delegation, Colombian officials gained a better understanding of India's perspective, particularly its history with terrorism. This prompted Colombia to retract its earlier statement and express support for India's zero-tolerance approach to terrorism, aligning itself more closely with India's stance.
Colombia has a long history of internal conflict with guerrilla groups and drug cartels using terrorism. By referencing this, Colombia acknowledges a shared understanding of the challenges posed by terrorism, which helped them empathize with India's position and led to stronger diplomatic support against such threats.