Shashi Tharoor at it Again? Leads Significant Diplomatic Engagements Today in Panama

In a warm beginning to the Indian Parliamentary delegation’s visit to Panama, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor led a significant diplomatic engagement today once again to convey India's unified stance on terrorism. The visit marks the latest leg of the Indian delegation's extensive global outreach in the wake of the April 22 Pahalgam attack.

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The delegation, welcomed by Indian Ambassador to Panama, Dr. Sumit Seth, received a detailed briefing on bilateral ties and regional developments at the Embassy of India in Panama City. According to embassy sources, the visit aims to deepen strategic understanding and mobilize global solidarity against terrorism.

The delegation's highlight was a meeting with Dana Castañeda, President of the National Assembly of Panama. She was joined by senior lawmakers including Edwin Vergara and Julio de la Guardia, the latter a former Ambassador to India. During the exchange, Tharoor explained the nature and purpose of India’s diplomatic mission following the Pahalgam terror attack, and emphasized the need for global solidarity against cross-border terrorism.

President Castaneda, moved by the gesture of receiving a Kashmiri shawl — a direct symbol from the region struck by terror — reciprocated with the gift of a warrior emblem, symbolically encouraging India to continue its determined stand against terrorism. “This is for your country to fight on with strength,” she reportedly told the Indian side.

Tharoor also greeted Panamanian legislator Kathy Bhikhu, originally from Gujarat, underscoring longstanding people-to-people ties between the two nations. The Indian delegation signed the official visitors’ book and toured the main hall of Panama’s National Assembly.

Embassy officials described the meeting as “cordial and constructive,” noting that Panama reiterated its understanding and support for India’s calibrated, proportionate, and responsible response under Operation Sindoor.

The visit to Panama comes as part of India’s multi-continent diplomatic effort to shape a broad consensus on counterterrorism, building on recent engagements in Qatar, France, Guyana, Congo, Singapore, and the United States.