Gerald C Koinyeneh
Africa-Press – Liberia. An all-party parliamentary delegation from India has concluded a high-level visit to Liberia, reaffirming India’s commitment to supporting Liberia’s bid for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and calling for global unity in the fight against terrorism following a deadly terrorist attack in Indian-administered Kashmir.
The delegation, led by Dr. Shrikant Eknath Shinde, member of the Indian Parliament, met with President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, members of the Liberian Legislature, and representatives of civil society and the media. The visit came in the aftermath of the April 22, 2025, terrorist attack in Pahalgam, which claimed the lives of 25 Indian citizens and one Nepali tourist.
Speaking during a meeting with President Boakai, Dr. Shinde said India sees Liberia as a vital democratic ally in West Africa and a principled partner in the global campaign against terrorism.
“On behalf of the 1.4 billion Indians, we are asking Liberia to stand with us during these trying times. Today it is India; tomorrow, it may be Liberia. And when that time comes, know that India will stand firmly with you. Liberia has our vote. You have stood for peace, and we stand with you,” said Dr. Shinde.
President Boakai, joined by Foreign Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti and other top officials, expressed condolences to the Indian people and reaffirmed Liberia’s support for India’s counterterrorism efforts, including Operation Sindoor, a series of targeted strikes launched by India in response to the Pahalgam attack.
The Indian Ministry of Defence has described Operation Sindoor as part of India’s commitment to hold accountable those responsible for the attack, including what it terms “state-sponsored terrorism.” While the international community, including the United Nations, condemned the Pahalgam attack, Pakistan—implicated by India—has denied involvement and criticized the retaliatory strikes as “unprovoked.”
During their visit, the Indian delegation also held discussions with Liberian lawmakers. A historic moment occurred when Senate Pro Tempore Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence invited Dr. Shinde to address the Liberian Senate—the first time an Indian parliamentarian has done so. In his address, Dr. Shinde emphasized India’s unwavering stance against cross-border terrorism and stressed the urgent need for global cooperation.
During separate sessions with lawmakers, both Senate Pro Tempore Karnga-Lawrence and House Speaker Richard Koon led the Legislature in a solemn moment of silence in memory of the victims of the Pahalgam attack.
“The Liberian Senate stands in solidarity with India in these difficult times. Let this moment serve as a reminder of our shared commitment to peace, mutual respect, and international cooperation,” said Senator Karnga-Lawrence.
The Indian delegation also engaged with local think tanks, civil society actors, and journalists in an interactive forum. “This is the time when the world must stand together. The time for selective justice is over,” said Bansuri Swaraj, the only female member of the delegation and daughter of the late Indian Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj at the forum. “Nations that sponsor terrorism and wage proxy wars—such as Pakistan—must be morally called out, diplomatically isolated, and strategically confronted.”
She continued: “What happened on April 22 was barbaric. A woman watched her husband be murdered. When she begged the terrorists to kill her too, they said: ‘No—go and tell your government.’ That’s why we are here. Liberia, we are counting on you. Let us stand together against this global menace.”
Swaraj praised Liberia for its strong bilateral ties with India and applauded the country’s robust campaign for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 2026–2027 term.
“We came here filled with hope, and we are leaving with hearts full of affection and opportunity. Liberia is a land of liberty, of Leymah Gbowee, of Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, and of William Tubman,” she said.
“India has stood with Liberia through Ebola and COVID-19. Now, we are asking Liberia to stand with us in this global fight against terrorism.”
The visit concluded with both nations pledging to deepen diplomatic ties and continue mutual support at the multilateral level.
Head of Indian Parliamentary delegation Dr. Shrikant Eknath outlining the purpose of the visit to Liberia.
The India delegation visit also comes as Liberia bids for a seat on the UN Security Council. The vote, scheduled today, June 3 during the 79th session of the UN General Assembly in New York, is expected to return Liberia to the Security Council for the first time since 1961, when it briefly held a one-year term in a compromise arrangement with Ireland. This time, Liberia is poised to serve a full term, representing West Africa in one of the world’s most powerful decision-making bodies.
The country’s candidacy, backed by the African Union (AU), was formally endorsed at the 44th Ordinary Session of the AU Executive Council in February 2024. Liberia is running unopposed for the West African seat, replacing Sierra Leone and continuing the region’s representation on the 15-member Council.
The Indian officials made clear their intent to back Liberia’s candidacy, with Dr. Shinde stating: “You have stood for peace. We are proud to stand with you.”
The multiparty delegation, comprised current and former government officials arrived last weekend. The delegations visited several countries including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and the United Arab Emirates.
Source: FrontPageAfrica
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