Panama backs India's peace efforts against terrorism
The Indian delegation led by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor met Panama Assembly Speaker Dana Castaneda. Castaneda appreciated India's counter-terrorism efforts and pledged to stand with India in its quest for peace. Symbolic exchanges were also held during the event.
On Tuesday, Dana Castaneda, the Speaker of the Panama Assembly, conveyed her support for India in its battle against terrorism following a meeting with a delegation headed by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor.
In a media briefing, Assembly Speaker Castaneda emphasized, 'We clearly comprehend the message conveyed. Panama aims to support India in this peace initiative, and we are optimistic about overcoming terrorism. We've had extensive discussions on these matters, which will enhance mutual understanding in India's battle against terrorism.'
Tharoor mentioned that the delegation gifted a Kashmiri shawl to Assembly Speaker Castaneda, who reciprocated by giving them the Panama-warrior emblem as a symbol of the strength needed to combat terrorism. "It felt unfortunate when we handed the President a Kashmiri shawl from the region where the Pahalgam terror attack occurred. In exchange, he offered us the emblem of the Panamanian warriors, expressing his hope that we would combat terrorism with similar strength, which I found to be an inspiring message to leave with the National Assembly."
In the meeting, Tharoor discussed the Pahalgam terror incident and expressed India's strong stance against terrorism. "Despite our diverse political backgrounds and origins across India, we stand united in our national mission... Following the Pahalgam attack on April 22, we anticipated the Pakistani government's response against those responsible for this dreadful act. When it became evident that no action was forthcoming, we struck known terrorist bases in Pakistan on May 7, two weeks later."
Following their visit to Guyana, the delegation led by Tharoor reached Panama City for a three-day official visit. As per the Indian Embassy in Panama's statement, the Members of Parliament will interact with Panama's leadership, prominent media personalities, strategic community, Indian community and diaspora, and Friends of India in Panama. The delegation, headed by Shashi Tharoor, comprises Members of Parliament Sarfaraz Ahmed, G M Harish Balyogi, Shashank Mani Tripathi, Tejasvi Surya, Bhubaneswar Kalita, Mallikarjun Deora, Milind Deora, and former Indian Ambassador to the US, Taranjit Singh Sandhu.