Is Pakistan Utilizing Terrorism as a Statecraft Tool? Insights from an Indian Delegation in Sierra Leone

Freetown, May 30 (NationPress) - The esteemed all-party Parliamentary delegation from India, headed by Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Eknath Shinde, engaged with numerous foreign diplomats in Sierra Leone on Friday to stimulate global action against terrorism and effectively address the strategies employed by individuals and entities that engage in, endorse, and finance cross-border terror endeavors targeting India.

The delegation, under Shinde's leadership, also comprised Bansuri Swaraj, Atul Garg, Manan Kumar Mishra, Sasmit Patra, E.T. Mohammed Basheer, S.S. Ahluwalia, and former Ambassador Sujan Chinoy.

During an interview with a local television station, Patra delivered a pointed critique regarding Pakistan's employment of terrorism as a means of statecraft.

"The call for Pakistan to forsake terror strategies in favor of peace and prosperity resonates with millions of Sierra Leoneans," Patra was quoted as stating by the High Commission of India in this West African nation.

The delegation also participated in comprehensive discussions with Abdulai Caulker, the National Security Coordinator of Sierra Leone, with the objective of enhancing security collaboration between the two nations.

"Leading the all-party delegation, I met with Abdulai Caulker. In this crucial meeting, we engaged in detailed discussions focused on reinforcing security cooperation between India and Sierra Leone," Shinde tweeted on X.

"Key topics included joint strategies to combat cross-border terrorism, curtailing the financing of terrorism, fortifying security systems, and establishing rapid alert frameworks in the realm of cybersecurity. We reached a mutual agreement on deepening trust and collaboration between our nations. I firmly believe this partnership will play a pivotal role in the effective execution of future security strategies," the post continued.

Earlier, during a meeting with the delegation, Sierra Leone's Deputy Leader of the Opposition, Daniel Brima Koroma, remarked, "Whatever India is experiencing, it is not solely your issue; it is our issue too... While not permanent, we are members of the UN Security Council."

Additionally, in a remarkable display of solidarity, the Parliament of Sierra Leone observed a moment of silence on Thursday to honor the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack.

The Indian delegation expressed gratitude to the Speaker and Parliamentarians of Sierra Leone for their unique gesture of friendship and support in India's fight against terrorism.

"While steering the Indian all-party delegation, I had the privilege of meeting Segepoh Solomon Thomas, Speaker of the Parliament of Sierra Leone, along with Members of Parliament and those involved with the Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. During our discussions, we explored enhancing mutual cooperation to bolster global peace and security, as well as collaborating on counter-terrorism efforts via multilateral platforms," Shinde noted in a post on X.

The delegation also met with Muana Brima Massaquoi, the Deputy Defence Minister of Sierra Leone, to inform him about India's strategic constraints in counter-terrorism operations and to reaffirm India's zero tolerance for terrorism.

"India and Sierra Leone share warm and cordial relations founded on common democratic values, South-South cooperation, and a shared vision for a secure and prosperous future. This visit is anticipated to further solidify bilateral relations and nurture a deeper strategic understanding between our nations," stated a release from the High Commission of India in Freetown.

The delegates are part of India's global diplomatic outreach campaign aimed at emphasizing the significance of Operation Sindoor and India's ongoing battle against Pakistan-backed cross-border terrorism.