May 30, 2025
Senior Congress leader and Member of Parliament Shashi Tharoor has expressed disappointment over Colombia’s recent remarks concerning India’s military response under Operation Sindoor. His statement came during an official visit to Bogotá as part of an Indian parliamentary delegation, where Colombia publicly acknowledged casualties in Pakistan resulting from India’s cross-border operation.
Operation Sindoor was launched by India on May 7, 2025, following a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, on April 22, which left over two dozen civilians dead. The operation specifically targeted terror camps and infrastructure believed to be operated by proscribed groups, including Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba, in Pakistan-occupied territory.
Addressing media inquiries in Bogotá, Tharoor stated that India was compelled to act in self-defense and that such actions were in line with international legal norms. “There is a clear moral and legal distinction between those who perpetrate acts of terror and those who respond to protect innocent lives,” he asserted.
Tharoor expressed particular concern over Colombia’s perceived equivalence between acts of aggression and a legitimate defensive response. He noted that such positions risk distorting the reality on the ground and could undermine global counterterrorism efforts.
India has consistently maintained that Operation Sindoor was a targeted military initiative aimed solely at dismantling terror infrastructure, without intent to harm civilians. However, the Pakistani government has claimed civilian casualties and infrastructure damage, prompting diplomatic reactions from several countries, including Colombia.
Tharoor reaffirmed that India remains committed to international cooperation on counterterrorism and regional stability but expects its actions against terrorism to be viewed in the proper context. “India’s objective has never been escalation, but elimination of immediate threats to its national security,” he said.
The diplomatic exchange brings to light the complexities involved in international responses to regional security measures. While some nations have backed India’s right to defend itself, others have called for restraint, urging dialogue over confrontation.
This development comes amid growing global scrutiny over state-sponsored terrorism and the rights of nations to protect their citizens. As India continues to advocate for a robust global stance against terrorism, the government is expected to engage diplomatically with countries expressing concerns, aiming to build consensus on security matters.
Conclusion
The remarks by Shashi Tharoor underscore India’s firm stance on national security and its expectations of fairness in international diplomatic discourse. As the fallout from Operation Sindoor continues to unfold, New Delhi is likely to further articulate its position on the global stage, emphasizing both its right to defend and its commitment to peace.
