No Equivalence between Pak & India: Tharoor on Colombia’s Reaction on Op Sindoor
The recent visit of the Colombian delegation to India has sparked a controversy, with Congress MP Shashi Tharoor expressing disappointment over the delegation’s decision to condole the loss of lives in Pakistan due to Operation Sindoor, while not extending similar sympathies to the Indian victims of terrorism.
Tharoor’s remarks came amidst the ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan, which escalated after the Uri attack in 2016. Operation Sindoor, a military operation conducted by Pakistan, resulted in the death of several soldiers and civilians. The Colombian delegation’s decision to express condolences for the Pakistani losses has been seen as a significant development in the complex web of bilateral relations between the three countries.
The Indian government has been vocal about its stance on terrorism and has repeatedly accused Pakistan of sponsoring and supporting terrorist activities in the region. The recent visit of the Colombian delegation has only added fuel to the fire, with Tharoor’s comments highlighting the perceived bias and lack of understanding of the situation.
In an interview with News18, Tharoor emphasized that there can be no equivalence between those who dispatch terrorists and those who resist, or those who attack and those who defend. “We’re exercising our right of self-defence,” he said, adding that the Indian government has every right to take measures to protect its citizens and territory.
Tharoor’s comments have been widely shared on social media, with many echoing his sentiments and calling out the Colombian delegation’s decision as insensitive and unjust. The opposition party, the Congress, has also come out in support of Tharoor’s views, with party spokespersons accusing the ruling BJP of being too soft on Pakistan.
However, not everyone agrees with Tharoor’s stance. Some have argued that the Colombian delegation’s decision to condole the Pakistani losses is a humanitarian gesture and not a political statement. They point out that the delegation’s visit was focused on strengthening diplomatic ties between Colombia and India, and that their condolences were meant to be a gesture of goodwill and solidarity with the people of Pakistan.
Despite the controversy, Tharoor’s remarks have highlighted the deep-seated divisions between India and Pakistan, which have been exacerbated by the ongoing political tensions and military standoffs along the Line of Control (LoC).
The Uri attack, carried out by Pakistan-based militant groups, had resulted in the death of 19 Indian soldiers, and the subsequent Operation Sindoor was seen as a major military operation aimed at destroying terrorist launchpads and infrastructure in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
The Colombian delegation’s decision to condole the Pakistani losses has been seen as a blow to India’s efforts to isolate Pakistan on the international stage. The move has been widely criticized by Indian media and political circles, with many accusing the Colombian government of being naive and unsophisticated in its understanding of the situation.
In an era where countries are increasingly looking to strengthen diplomatic ties and foster greater cooperation, the controversy surrounding the Colombian delegation’s visit is a stark reminder of the complex web of bilateral relations between India, Pakistan, and other countries.
Tharoor’s comments have also highlighted the importance of nuanced diplomacy and the need for countries to take a nuanced approach to dealing with complex political situations. As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, the need for effective diplomacy and communication has never been more pressing.
In conclusion, the controversy surrounding the Colombian delegation’s visit has sparked a wider debate about the need for greater understanding and cooperation between nations. As Tharoor’s comments have highlighted, there can be no equivalence between those who dispatch terrorists and those who resist, or those who attack and those who defend. The Indian government’s decision to exercise its right of self-defence is a testament to its commitment to protecting its citizens and territory.
