Panama has voiced strong support for India’s stand against terrorism during a high-level diplomatic meeting led by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor. The Group 5 all-party Indian delegation met with Panamanian Foreign Minister Javier Martinez Acha on Wednesday (local time), presenting evidence of Pakistan’s continued support to terrorism, including images of Pakistani Army officials attending funerals of UN-designated terrorists eliminated in India’s Operation Sindoor.
Foreign Minister Acha expressed unequivocal solidarity with India, stating, “We cannot tolerate any kind of terrorism. We cannot tolerate countries sponsoring terrorism. We are a democratic country, and India is the largest democracy in the world, which values principles. We will fight against any kind of terrorism together.”
Tharoor noted that the Panamanian Foreign Minister received India’s message on terrorism in a “receptive and open-hearted” manner. He also highlighted the broader scope of the discussions, which included strengthening bilateral cooperation in key sectors such as technology, education, and pharmaceuticals.
“The Minister raised numerous opportunities for India-Panama collaboration, reflecting the strong interest of his government in deeper engagement. The meeting was highly successful in terms of both our anti-terror message and the prospects of broader cooperation,” Tharoor said.
Looking ahead, Acha expressed enthusiasm about enhancing ties with India through high-level visits. “I am looking forward to visiting India soon. We will also try to create an agenda for our President to visit India. We have a promise from my good friend Mr. Tharoor that Prime Minister Modi will come to Panama soon,” he added. Tharoor responded positively, saying, “We will try to persuade him.”
Earlier in the day, the delegation paid floral tributes at the Mahatma Gandhi bust located at the Peace Plaza of the University of Panama. Tharoor emphasized the importance of connecting with educational institutions that shape the minds of Panama’s youth and spoke of Gandhi’s legacy of peace and non-violence.
“It is important that young Panamanians grow up with respect for Gandhi’s ideals—not only for peace but also for his fight for freedom and justice,” Tharoor said.
The visit also included the symbolic planting of a sapling at the Peace Plaza to commemorate the shared commitment to peace and cooperation between the two nations.
The delegation accompanying Tharoor includes Shambhavi Chaudhary (Lok Janshakti Party), Sarfaraz Ahmed (Jharkhand Mukti Morcha), G M Harish Balayogi (Telugu Desam Party), Shashank Mani Tripathi, Tejasvi Surya, Bhubaneswar Kalita (all from BJP), Mallikarjun Devda (Shiv Sena), former Indian Ambassador to the US Taranjit Singh Sandhu, and Shiv Sena MP Milind Deora.
This diplomatic mission is part of a broader initiative to counter global misinformation, bolster India’s international partnerships, and promote a unified stance against terrorism.
