By Sara Camera
Freetown, Sierra Leone – A high-profile Indian Parliamentary delegation is set to embark on a multi-nation visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Liberia, Sierra Leone, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) later this month. The delegation’s primary focus will be to explore international collaboration in combating global terrorism.
The announcement was made following a courtesy call by Indian High Commissioner to Sierra Leone, B.C. Pradhan, on the Rt. Hon. Speaker of the Sixth Parliament of the Second Republic, Hon. Segepoh Solomon Thomas, on Monday, May 19th, 2025. During the meeting, High Commissioner Pradhan presented a letter of note verbal formally announcing the visit.
The Indian delegation, composed of prominent Members of Parliament from various political parties, includes:
- Shri Shrikant Elknath Shinde, MP, Shiv Sena.
- Smt. Bansuri Swaraj, MP, BJP.
- Shri ET Mohammed Basheer MP, INUML.
- Shri Atul Garg MP, BJP.
- Shri Manan Kumar Mishra MP, BJP.
- Dr. Sasmit Patra MP, BJD.
- Shri SS Ahiuwalia.
- Amb. Sujan Chinoy.
Speaking about the visit to Sierra Leone and Liberia, High Commissioner Pradhan stated that the delegation is expected to arrive on May 28th, 2025, and would visit the Parliament of Sierra Leone on May 29th, 2025. He emphasized the urgent need for global cooperation to address the threat of terrorist attacks, recalling a devastating incident in India that claimed numerous innocent lives. He reaffirmed India’s commitment to partnering with other nations in the fight against terrorism, stressing that global solidarity is essential for maintaining sustainable peace.
Beyond counterterrorism, the High Commissioner also highlighted India’s ongoing bilateral support for Sierra Leone’s development and capacity building, including scholarships, infrastructure development, technology transfer, renewable energy initiatives, healthcare advancements, scientific collaboration, financial assistance, and provision of clean water.
Some members of the Indian Parliamentary delegation include the following:
He also noted the similarities between the parliamentary systems of Sierra Leone and India, particularly in their historical context shaped by colonialism and their approaches to lawmaking, committee operations, and other good governance practices. He cited the strong bilateral and diplomatic relationship between India and Sierra Leone as a key factor in selecting Sierra Leone as one of the countries for this important visit.
Furthermore, the High Commissioner touched upon global economic and financial developments, assuring the Speaker of India’s continued support for Sierra Leone’s progress.
In response, the Speaker of Parliament of Sierra Leone expressed his enthusiasm for the visit and assured the High Commissioner that Parliament would be fully prepared to welcome the delegation. He acknowledged the strong diplomatic ties between India and Sierra Leone, stating, “India has been a very good friend to Sierra Leone.” He also noted the similarities between the political systems of both countries due to their shared colonial history.
The visit underscores the growing importance of international cooperation in addressing global security challenges and strengthens the already robust relationship between India and Sierra Leone. The delegation’s visit to UAE, Liberia, and DR Congo is expected to address similar issues and foster stronger ties between India and these nations.
