The Rt. Hon. Speaker of the Sixth Parliament of the Second Republic, Hon. Segepoh Solomon Thomas, on Monday, May 19, 2025, received a formal note verbale from the Indian High Commissioner to Sierra Leone, B.C. Pradhan, announcing an upcoming visit by a delegation of Indian Members of Parliament.
The announcement was made during a courtesy call paid by High Commissioner Pradhan to the Speaker at his office in Freetown.
According to the High Commissioner, the Indian parliamentary delegation is expected to arrive in Sierra Leone on May 28, 2025, and will visit the Parliament of Sierra Leone the following day, May 29, 2025.
The primary objective of the visit centers on strengthening collaboration in the fight against global terrorism. High Commissioner Pradhan strongly condemned recent terrorist attacks, citing a particularly devastating incident in India that claimed the lives of many innocent civilians. He emphasized India’s commitment to working with partner countries, including Sierra Leone, to combat the growing menace of terrorism through global solidarity and partnerships.
The High Commissioner also highlighted India’s ongoing bilateral support to Sierra Leone, which includes scholarships, infrastructure development, technology transfer, renewable energy projects, healthcare, science, financial assistance, and the provision of clean water.
He further noted the historical and structural similarities between the Indian and Sierra Leonean parliaments, both shaped by colonial legacies and shared democratic values such as lawmaking, committee systems, and good governance practices. It was in recognition of these shared values and the strong diplomatic ties between the two nations that Sierra Leone was selected as a destination for the delegation’s visit.
In addition, the High Commissioner spoke on broader global economic and financial developments and reaffirmed India’s continued support for Sierra Leone’s development agenda.
In his response, Speaker Segepoh Solomon Thomas expressed delight over the forthcoming visit and assured the High Commissioner that Parliament would make adequate preparations to receive the delegation. He also confirmed that the parliamentary leadership would be informed and engaged ahead of the delegation’s arrival.
The Speaker acknowledged the longstanding diplomatic relationship between the two countries and noted the striking similarities between their political systems, particularly due to their shared colonial history. “India has been a very good friend to Sierra Leone,” he stated.
The visit is expected to further cement the diplomatic and parliamentary relationship between India and Sierra Leone and foster stronger cooperation on mutual interests, including peace, security, and sustainable development.