No Equivalence between Pak & India: Tharoor on Colombia’s Reaction on Op Sindoor
In a recent development that has sparked controversy, a Colombian delegation’s decision to condole the loss of lives in Pakistan due to Operation Sindoor has left India “disappointed”. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has strongly criticized this move, stating that there can be no equivalence between those who dispatch terrorists and those who resist, attack, and defend. This article delves into the controversy surrounding the Colombian delegation’s visit to Pakistan and Tharoor’s reaction to it.
On September 29, 2022, a Colombian delegation led by Senator Iván Name traveled to Pakistan to pay their condolences to the families of those who lost their lives during Operation Sindoor. This move has been met with widespread criticism, particularly from the Indian government and opposition parties. Tharoor, a seasoned politician and diplomat, has been vocal about his disappointment with the Colombian delegation’s decision.
Tharoor’s reaction to the Colombian delegation’s visit to Pakistan is rooted in his understanding of the complexities of international relations and diplomacy. In an interview with News18, he emphasized that there can be no equivalence between those who dispatch terrorists and those who resist, attack, and defend. According to Tharoor, Operation Sindoor was a legitimate exercise of India’s right to self-defense against Pakistani terrorism.
“We’re exercising our right of self-defence,” Tharoor said. “Those who dispatch terrorists and those who resist, attack, and defend cannot be equated. The Colombian delegation’s decision to condole the loss of lives in Pakistan is a reflection of their country’s priorities, but it does not reflect the moral equivalence that they are trying to create.”
Tharoor’s comments are significant because they highlight the importance of distinguishing between right and wrong in international relations. In the context of Operation Sindoor, India’s actions were a direct response to Pakistani terrorism, which has been a major source of instability in the region. By defending its citizens against Pakistani aggression, India was exercising its right to self-defense, as enshrined in Article 51 of the United Nations Charter.
In contrast, Pakistan’s role in sponsoring terrorism and supporting terrorist groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed is well-documented. The country’s military has been accused of providing safe haven to terrorist organizations, which has led to the loss of countless innocent lives in India. By condoning the loss of lives in Pakistan, the Colombian delegation is, in effect, equating the actions of a responsible government like India with those of a state that sponsors terrorism.
Tharoor’s criticism of the Colombian delegation’s visit to Pakistan is also significant because it highlights the importance of consistency in international diplomacy. If the Colombian government is genuinely concerned about terrorism, it should be condemning Pakistan’s role in sponsoring terrorism, rather than condoning it. By visiting Pakistan and paying condolences to the families of those who lost their lives during Operation Sindoor, the Colombian delegation is sending a mixed signal that undermines the global fight against terrorism.
In conclusion, Tharoor’s reaction to the Colombian delegation’s visit to Pakistan is a timely reminder of the importance of distinguishing between right and wrong in international relations. By exercising its right to self-defense against Pakistani terrorism, India was acting in accordance with international law and protecting its citizens from harm. The Colombian delegation’s decision to condole the loss of lives in Pakistan, on the other hand, is a reflection of their country’s priorities and does not reflect the moral equivalence that they are trying to create.
As the world grapples with the challenges posed by terrorism, it is essential that countries like India and Colombia stand together in the fight against this scourge. By standing up against terrorism and supporting those who are victims of terrorism, we can create a safer and more just world for all.
