No Country Too Small: Why India's Anti-Terror Outreach Team Is Visiting Sierre Leone, Liberia

News18

27-05-2025

Last Updated:
These countries are significant because of their impending membership in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).
India has dispatched seven delegations worldwide to convey the message that its fight is against terrorism and terrorists, not against humanity or citizens. These delegations are traveling across various countries to build global consensus on this issue.
Among these delegations, one is on a particularly challenging mission. After a promising start in the UAE, this delegation, led by Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde's son Shrikant Shinde, the youngest leader among the envoys, is currently visiting the Republic of Congo.
On Tuesday, the Indian delegation met with the Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Congo, the Foreign Minister, the Speaker, and several other dignitaries. The purpose of the visit is to strengthen India's strategic partnerships and build people-to-people connections with key African nations while rallying against terrorism.
The delegation had a series of meetings with notable figures, including Therese Kayikwamba Wagner, State Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Francophonie, Berthold Ulungu Ekunda Lukata, President of the Foreign Affairs Commission, National Assembly, Vital Kamerhe Lwa Kanyiginyi Nkingi, Speaker of the National Assembly, Jean-Michel Sama Lukonde Kyenge, President of the Senate, and Jean-Pierre Bemba Gombo, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport.
A source informed CNN-News18 that the meetings in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) were productive, allowing the delegation to clearly communicate India's stance on terrorism. The delegation emphasised the importance of countries like the DRC highlighting the dangers of supporting nations like Pakistan that sponsor terrorism. The DRC has assured the Indian delegation that it will attempt to raise this issue in their parliament and other platforms.
The delegation plans to visit two more nations before returning to India: Sierra Leone and Liberia. These countries, although small and often unnoticed on the world map, have been strategically chosen by the Indian government. Both countries face significant internal challenges. The Republic of Congo is grappling with internal conflict and crime, including the recent killing of an Indian businessman, making it a dangerous destination. Sierra Leone is dealing with a national crisis, with a 50 per cent rise in Mpox cases reported in the last 10 days since the disease's outbreak earlier this year. There are fears that this outbreak could spread to neighbouring Liberia, prompting the Health Department of Liberia to issue an advisory urging people to avoid physical contact, wash their hands, and report suspected cases to health authorities.
Some political parties in India have questioned the government's decision to send delegations to these locations. Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate expressed concern, questioning the need to justify India's actions to the world. Despite these concerns, the Indian delegation is committed to its mission. A source told News18 that India aims to garner as much international support as possible. India has empowered the voice of the global South, including their introduction in the G20 during its meeting in New Delhi last year.
These countries are significant because of their impending membership in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). Sierra Leone is already a non-permanent member of the UNSC and a member of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), making it a crucial nation for India's outreach. Strong voices within the OIC, such as Kuwait and Bahrain, have supported India's stance of zero tolerance towards terrorism. Additionally, countries like the UAE have declared their support for India's fight against terrorism.
With the support of the Indian population, the delegation is tackling tough conditions under the mission 'Operation Sindoor." Despite the challenges, having members as young as Shrikant Shinde, 38, and as old as Mohammed Basheer, 78, the delegation remains dedicated to serving their motherland, India.
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