High Commission of India

Freetown

Press Release

An Indian All-Party Delegation, led by Dr. Shrikant Eknath Shinde, Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha) visited Sierra Leone from 28-30 May 2025 as part of India’s diplomatic outreach following the heinous terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. The visit aimed to garner international support, raise awareness about the grave threat of terrorism.

The delegation held extensive meetings with key Sierra Leonean dignitaries including the Speaker of the Parliament, Members of Parliament and the Committee on Foreign Affairs, the Deputy Minister of Defence, National Security Coordinator, Acting Foreign Minister and the Vice President of Sierra Leone. The delegation highlighted India’s zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism and emphasized the importance of global unity in combating this threat.

In a strong show of solidarity, the Parliament of Sierra Leone condemned the terrorist attack at Pahalgam and observed a moment of silence to honor the victims of the attack. 

The Vice President of Sierra Leone condemned the terrorist attack at Pahalgam, condoled the loss of lives and affirmed Sierra Leone's solidarity with India. The Deputy Defence Minister Col. (Retd.) Muana Brima Massaquoi and Deputy Leader of the Opposition Daniel Brima Koroma, condemned terrorism and voiced strong support for India’s stance. Minister Massaquoi stated the urgent need for African nations to unite against terrorism, warning that inaction could bring the threat to their own shores.

The Delegation interacted with foreign diplomats in Sierra Leone to galvanize international action against terrorism, and decisively counter the tactics of those who perpetrate, support and sponsor cross border terror activities against India.

The delegation also interacted with local media and the Indian diaspora and, reaffirming the enduring friendship between India and Sierra Leone. During a live interview with AYVnews TV Chanel, Dr. Sasmit Patra, a member of the delegation underscored the need for Pakistan to abandon state-sponsored terrorism, resonating with local audiences.

The visit concluded with calls for coordinated action at the UN Security Council, FATF and other global forums to counter terrorism and preserve international peace. 

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30 May 2025