What happened?
On May 28, 2025, an all-party Indian parliamentary delegation led by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor visited Panama as part of India’s global diplomatic outreach following Operation Sindoor. The delegation met with Dana Castaneda, President of Panama’s National Assembly, who assured support for India’s “war against terror.” Tharoor presented Castaneda with a Kashmiri shawl, symbolizing the Pahalgam terror attack’s victims, and received a warrior symbol in return, signifying solidarity.
The delegation, comprising MPs from various political parties, also visited the Indian Cultural Centre in Panama City, offering prayers at a local temple. Notably, Muslim MP Sarfraz Ahmad joined Hindu and Sikh colleagues in the temple visit, exemplifying interfaith unity.
Addressing the Indian diaspora in Panama, Tharoor emphasized India’s zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism and highlighted the nation’s response to the April 22 Pahalgam attack, which claimed 26 lives. He reiterated that India’s desire for peace is not reciprocated by Pakistan and called for global action against terrorism.
Why it matters to India
This visit underscores India’s commitment to garnering international support against terrorism. By engaging with Panama, a key partner in Central America, India aims to strengthen global alliances and present a united front against cross-border terrorism. The delegation’s outreach reflects India’s strategic efforts to isolate terror sponsors diplomatically and reinforce its global stance on counter-terrorism.