In a powerful diplomatic gesture, Panama’s Foreign Minister Javier Martinez Acha on Wednesday extended his country’s full support to India in its ongoing fight against terrorism. The minister made the remarks after meeting with a visiting Indian delegation led by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor.
Speaking to ANI, Acha said, “Regarding terrorism, we stand with India. We cannot tolerate any kind of terrorism. We cannot tolerate countries sponsoring terrorism. We are a democratic country. India is the largest democracy in the world, which values principles, and we will fight against any kind of terrorism together.”
India presents proof of Pakistan’s links to terror
During the meeting, the Indian delegation shared photographic evidence showing Pakistani Army officials attending the funeral of UN-designated terrorists who were neutralised in Operation Sindoor. The move underscored India’s efforts to expose state-sponsored terrorism on the global stage.
Broader scope of cooperation
Tharoor noted that the discussions were not limited to terrorism alone. He said the Panamanian Foreign Minister was very receptive to India’s concerns and also showed great interest in strengthening bilateral ties.
“The Minister received our message on terrorism in a very receptive and open-hearted way. In addition, he raised a number of opportunities for close India-Panama collaboration in the future, particularly in technology, education, pharmaceuticals, and many areas of future cooperation,” Tharoor said.
Panama keen on deeper ties with India
Minister Acha also expressed his desire to visit India soon and discussed the possibility of arranging a visit by Panama’s President. He added, “We have a promise from my good friend Mr. Tharoor that Prime Minister Modi will come to Panama soon.”
To this, Tharoor responded, “We will try to persuade him.”
Tribute to Mahatma Gandhi
Earlier in the day, the Indian delegation paid floral tributes to the Mahatma Gandhi bust at the Peace Plaza of the University of Panama. Tharoor said it was essential to spread Gandhian values among the youth of Panama and deepen cultural ties between the two nations.
“For us, today, it is very important that we come to the University which shapes the minds of the young people of Panama because we would like them to grow up not only with respect for the ideals and service of Mahatma Gandhi but also with respect for the valiant struggle he waged not just for peace but for freedom of our country,” he said.
The delegation also planted a sapling in the Peace Plaza, symbolising the growing friendship between India and Panama.
Delegation details
The Group 5 delegation led by Tharoor included MPs and leaders from various parties, such as Shambhavi Chaudhary (Lok Janshakti Party), Sarfaraz Ahmed (Jharkhand Mukti Morcha), G M Harish Balayagi (Telugu Desam Party), Shashank Mani Tripathi, Tejaswi 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.
