Bogotá (Colombia), May 31(HS): Colombia has retracted its earlier official statement expressing condolences for the deaths in Pakistan following Indian attacks, leading to concern from Indian parliamentary leader Shashi Tharoor, who expressed disappointment with Colombia's original response. After discussions, Colombian Deputy Foreign Minister Yolanda Villaviciencio clarified that new information about the Kashmir situation would aid dialogue between Colombia and India. Tharoor was pleased with the retraction, questioning any support for terrorism.

Meanwhile, the Indian delegation, traveling through Western Africa, met with Sierra Leone's Acting Foreign Minister Frances P. Alghali to discuss Pakistan's involvement in the Pahalgam terrorist attack. Alghali reinforced her support for India’s efforts to combat terrorism. BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj, part of the delegation, emphasized India's stance against Pakistan, asserting that this is a new India committed to taking strong action against terrorism. She highlighted the importance of addressing terrorism as a global issue during their international outreach.

Another delegation member, Sasmit Patra, recounted a tragic story from the Pahalgam attack to underline the severity of terrorism and reiterated a strong response from India. Shiv Sena MP Priyanka Chaturvedi reflected on personal losses from past terror attacks in Mumbai, conveying how these experiences have reshaped her view towards Pakistan.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar