Indian Delegation Advocates Global Unity Against Terrorism in Sierra Leone

Successful Diplomatic Mission to Sierra Leone

On May 31, a parliamentary delegation led by Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Eknath Shinde wrapped up a fruitful visit to Sierra Leone, urging collaborative efforts at the United Nations Security Council, Financial Action Task Force (FATF), and other international platforms to tackle terrorism and maintain global peace.

During discussions, Sierra Leone's Vice President, Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, expressed the nation's solidarity with India and condemned the recent terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 innocent lives, extending condolences to the victims' families.

"The Vice President condemned the Pahalgam attack and expressed Sierra Leone's support for India during the meeting with the All-Party Delegation," the Indian High Commission in Freetown shared on social media.

The delegation engaged in comprehensive talks with prominent Sierra Leonean officials, including the Speaker of Parliament, various Members of Parliament, and the Deputy Minister of Defence, emphasizing India's firm stance against terrorism and the necessity for global cooperation.

"Deputy Defence Minister Muana Brima Massaquoi and Deputy Opposition Leader Daniel Brima Koroma denounced terrorism and expressed their backing for India's position. Massaquoi highlighted the urgent need for African nations to unite against this threat, warning that inaction could lead to terrorism affecting their own countries," stated the High Commission.

The delegation also interacted with local media, discussing the outcomes of their meetings with key Sierra Leonean leaders regarding counter-terrorism strategies.

On Friday, they met with foreign diplomats in Sierra Leone to rally international support against terrorism and to counter the tactics of those who engage in, support, or sponsor cross-border terrorism targeting India.

The delegation, which included Bansuri Swaraj, Atul Garg, Manan Kumar Mishra, Sasmit Patra, E.T. Mohammed Basheer, S.S. Ahluwalia, and former Ambassador Sujan Chinoy, aimed to strengthen diplomatic ties.

Samsit Patra, in a local TV interview, criticized Pakistan's use of terrorism as a tool for statecraft, stating, "The call for Pakistan to renounce terror in favor of peace resonates with many Sierra Leoneans," as reported by the Indian High Commission.

In a notable display of camaraderie, the Sierra Leonean Parliament observed a moment of silence on Thursday to honor the victims of the Pahalgam attack.

The Indian delegation expressed gratitude to the Speaker and Parliamentarians for their gesture of friendship and solidarity in the fight against terrorism.

This visit is part of India's broader diplomatic outreach to emphasize the importance of Operation Sindoor and to raise awareness about the ongoing threat of Pakistan-sponsored cross-border terrorism.