Panama City – In a significant diplomatic development, Panama has explicitly endorsed India’s stance against terrorism and expressed firm solidarity with New Delhi’s efforts to combat cross-border threats, particularly those emanating from Pakistan. The affirmation came during a high-level meeting between the President of Panama, Jose Raul Mulino Quintero, and an Indian all-party parliamentary delegation led by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor.
The Indian delegation, which is touring Latin America under the foreign ministry’s Operation Sindoor outreach, engaged in detailed discussions with Panamanian leaders, emphasizing India’s security concerns, its global anti-terrorism stance, and its aspirations on the world stage.
Panama Aligns with India’s Anti-Terror Narrative
During the meeting held at the Presidential Palace in Panama City, President Mulino Quintero welcomed the Indian delegates and reiterated his government’s unequivocal support for India’s counter-terrorism efforts. According to delegation leader Shashi Tharoor, the meeting was “constructive and productive,” with both nations finding common ground on the urgent need to confront terrorism globally.
“The President graciously expressed his understanding and support for India’s fight against terrorism,” Tharoor shared on social media, reinforcing the alignment of values between the two nations on matters of regional and international security.
President Quintero’s support underscores Panama’s acknowledgment of the threats posed by Pakistan-sponsored terrorism, a central issue raised during the discussions. This marks a growing trend in which Latin American nations are engaging more deeply with India’s foreign policy objectives.
Support for India’s UN Security Council Bid
Beyond counterterrorism, the Indian delegation also advanced its campaign for a permanent seat at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). During discussions with Panamanian Foreign Minister Javier Martinez-Acha and Vice-Minister Carlos Hoyos, India received renewed diplomatic backing.
Describing the engagement as “excellent and constructive,” Tharoor mentioned that the conversation extended beyond formal talks and continued over lunch, with senior Panamanian lawmakers also participating. This level of diplomatic attention reflects the high regard in which India is held, especially in matters of international governance and multilateral diplomacy.
Panama’s endorsement of India’s UNSC bid adds momentum to the latter’s push for structural reform within the United Nations, where it has long argued that emerging powers like India deserve a seat at the decision-making table.
Solidarity Strengthened Through Symbolic Gestures
The delegation’s visit wasn’t confined to political meetings. In a symbolic ceremony, Indian representatives paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi by offering floral tributes at his bust installed at the University of Panama. A mango sapling was also planted in Gandhi’s memory, reinforcing India’s cultural and philosophical legacy abroad.
Members of the Indian diaspora in Panama were present during the ceremony, which served to highlight the soft power diplomacy India continues to exercise across continents. Such acts of cultural respect and remembrance often pave the way for stronger people-to-people ties and enduring diplomatic partnerships.
Broad Bipartisan Representation Signals Unified Foreign Policy Vision
This delegation comprises a diverse group of Indian lawmakers cutting across political lines. Alongside Tharoor, it includes Shambhavi of the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), Sarfaraz Ahmad of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha, Milind Murli Deora of the Shiv Sena, and BJP leaders Shashank Mani Tripathi, Bhubaneswar Kalita, and Tejasvi Surya, along with GM Harish Balayogi of the Telugu Desam Party.
Their presence emphasizes India’s bipartisan commitment to projecting its national interests on the international stage. By bringing leaders from across the political spectrum into a shared platform for diplomacy, India is showcasing a unified front on global issues such as terrorism, UN reforms, and international cooperation.
Panama’s Legislative Support for India’s Peace Campaign
Further reinforcing Panama’s alignment with India’s vision, President of the National Assembly Dana Castaneda expressed strong support for India’s peace-focused messaging. Speaking to media after her meeting with the Indian delegation, Castaneda affirmed, “Panama wants to stand with India in this campaign for peace, and we hope that we can defeat terrorism.”
This public statement from one of the highest legislative offices in Panama demonstrates the degree of alignment and willingness to collaborate on international security and peacebuilding efforts.
Operation Sindoor and the Global Campaign Against Terror
The Indian delegation’s tour, part of the Ministry of External Affairs’ Operation Sindoor, represents a broader global outreach in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack, in which 26 civilians were killed by Pakistan-linked terrorists. This outreach aims to amplify India’s narrative on international platforms and build coalitions against state-sponsored terrorism.
With Panama being the third stop on this diplomatic mission, the delegation has already garnered support in previous Latin American destinations. India’s strategy is clear — establish common ground with like-minded nations and consolidate support for its security and diplomatic goals at a time when multilateralism is increasingly under strain.
Strategic Implications of Latin American Support
Panama’s vocal backing is strategically important. As a country that controls the Panama Canal and has substantial global maritime relevance, Panama’s alignment with India sends a broader signal to other countries in Latin America and the Caribbean. It underscores the potential for South-South cooperation in areas beyond trade, including security, diplomacy, and technology.
Moreover, Latin America has traditionally been underrepresented in discussions on terrorism, despite facing its own challenges. By engaging proactively with countries like Panama, India is helping reshape the global dialogue around terrorism to include a broader coalition of stakeholders.
India Strengthens Regional Ties Amid Global Diplomatic Push
The outreach also opens doors to broader bilateral cooperation in areas such as education, healthcare, renewable energy, and digital transformation, sectors where India has been actively offering partnerships to developing economies. The visit provides momentum to diplomatic frameworks and bilateral agreements that can be strengthened in future ministerial visits.
With increasing trade volumes and people-to-people contacts, India’s engagement with Panama and similar nations in the Latin American region could soon evolve into deeper strategic partnerships.
The Indian parliamentary delegation’s visit to Panama represents a calculated and well-executed effort to gather international backing for India’s counter-terrorism and global governance agendas. With Panama’s strong endorsement, including support for a permanent seat at the UN Security Council and explicit opposition to terrorism, India’s diplomatic objectives have received a boost. This engagement highlights how strategic outreach and bipartisan diplomacy can yield meaningful results in advancing India’s standing in global affairs, particularly at a time when cohesive international action against terrorism is urgently needed.
