By Foday Moriba Conteh

A high-level all-party Indian Parliamentary Delegation, led by H.E. Shri Shrikant Eknath Shinde, Hon’ble Member of Parliament, is on an official two-day visit to Sierra Leone from May 28 to 30, 2025, aimed at deepening bilateral relations and enhancing global cooperation on counter-terrorism.

The visit comes in the wake of the tragic terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, 2025, which claimed the lives of 26 innocent tourists. In response, the Government of India has launched an extensive diplomatic outreach to engage international partners in the global fight against terrorism.

The presence of this cross-party delegation in Sierra Leone reflects India’s unwavering commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, while simultaneously reinforcing diplomatic relations with trusted African partners.

During their stay, the delegation is expected to hold high-level discussions with key Government officials of Sierra Leone, including:

- The Hon. Vice President


- The Rt. Hon. Speaker of Parliament


- Members of Parliament


- The Hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation


- The Hon. Deputy Minister of Defence


- The National Security Coordinator

In addition to political engagements, the delegation will also meet with representatives of the Sierra Leonean media and hold an outreach session with the Indian diaspora community, reaffirming New Delhi’s commitment to the welfare and interests of its citizens abroad.

India and Sierra Leone share a long-standing relationship grounded in mutual respect, democratic values and South-South cooperation. Both countries continue to collaborate on a wide range of issues, including capacity-building, development assistance and security.

This visit is expected to strengthen bilateral ties, expand strategic dialogue and foster greater mutual understanding between the two nations in pursuit of a safer, more prosperous global community.

Addressing a brief Press Conference upon arrival in Freetown on Wednesday, 28th May, 2025 the Head of the Indian Parliamentary Delegation, H.E. Shri Shrikant Eknath Shinde, emphasized that the purpose of the visit was twofold: to convey a message of peace and to advocate for zero tolerance against terrorism. He was accompanied by senior members of the delegation.

“This is not just about India,” Shri Shinde stated. “The April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed 26 innocent lives, was an attack on all of humanity. The victims included sole breadwinners, parents and children. It’s time the world comes together to confront terrorism wherever it exists.”

The delegation is part of one of seven teams deployed globally under the directive of Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, following the Pahalgam attack. Prior to Sierra Leone, the delegation visited the United Arab Emirates and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Their next stop will be Liberia.

“This diplomatic effort is not just about sharing India’s story,” one delegate noted. “We want to engage with like-minded nations to ensure that democratic Governments are not undermined by terrorist forces. What India faces today, others may face tomorrow.”

The delegation also intends to meet with the Indian diaspora in Sierra Leone and speak with the local media, reinforcing India’s commitment to protecting its citizens abroad and promoting a peaceful global order.

India and Sierra Leone continue to enjoy warm diplomatic relations, built on shared values and development cooperation. The current visit is expected to further deepen bilateral ties and establish common ground in the global campaign against terrorism. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/indian-parliamentary-delegation-visits-sierra-leone-calls-for-global-unity-against-terrorism/