MONROVIA – An all-party parliamentary delegation from India has concluded a high-level go to to Liberia, reaffirming India’s dedication to supporting Liberia’s bid for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Safety Council (UNSC) and calling for world unity within the combat towards terrorism following a lethal terrorist assault in Indian-administered Kashmir.
By Gerald C. Koinyeneh, [email protected]
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 go to got here within the aftermath of the April 22, 2025, terrorist assault in Pahalgam, which claimed the lives of 25 Indian residents and one Nepali vacationer.
Talking throughout a gathering with President Boakai, Dr. Shinde stated India sees Liberia as a significant democratic ally in West Africa and a principled accomplice within the world marketing campaign towards terrorism.
“On behalf of the 1.4 billion Indians, we’re asking Liberia to face with us throughout these attempting occasions. Right now it’s India; tomorrow, it could be Liberia. And when that point comes, know that India will stand firmly with you. Liberia has our vote. You could have stood for peace, and we stand with you,” stated Dr. Shinde.
President Boakai, joined by International Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti and different prime officers, expressed condolences to the Indian folks and reaffirmed Liberia’s assist for India’s counterterrorism efforts, together with Operation Sindoor, a collection of focused strikes launched by India in response to the Pahalgam assault.
The Indian Ministry of Defence has described Operation Sindoor as a part of India’s dedication to carry accountable these chargeable for the assault, together with what it phrases “state-sponsored terrorism.” Whereas the worldwide group, together with the United Nations, condemned the Pahalgam assault, Pakistan—implicated by India—has denied involvement and criticized the retaliatory strikes as “unprovoked.”
Throughout their go to, the Indian delegation additionally held discussions with Liberian lawmakers. A historic second occurred when Senate Professional Tempore Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence invited Dr. Shinde to deal with the Liberian Senate—the primary time an Indian parliamentarian has carried out so. In his tackle, Dr. Shinde emphasised India’s unwavering stance towards cross-border terrorism and burdened the pressing want for world cooperation.
Throughout separate periods with lawmakers, each Senate Professional Tempore Karnga-Lawrence and Home Speaker Richard Koon led the Legislature in a solemn second of silence in reminiscence of the victims of the Pahalgam assault.
“The Liberian Senate stands in solidarity with India in these tough occasions. Let this second function a reminder of our shared dedication to peace, mutual respect, and worldwide cooperation,” stated Senator Karnga-Lawrence.
The Indian delegation additionally engaged with native suppose tanks, civil society actors, and journalists in an interactive discussion board. “That is the time when the world should stand collectively. The time for selective justice is over,” stated Bansuri Swaraj, the one feminine member of the delegation and daughter of the late Indian International Minister Sushma Swaraj on the discussion board. “Nations that sponsor terrorism and wage proxy wars—reminiscent of Pakistan—have to be morally known as out, diplomatically remoted, and strategically confronted.”
She continued: “What occurred on April 22 was barbaric. A girl watched her husband be murdered. When she begged the terrorists to kill her too, they stated: ‘No—go and inform your authorities.’ That’s why we’re right here. Liberia, we’re relying on you. Allow us to stand collectively towards this world menace.”
Swaraj praised Liberia for its sturdy bilateral ties with India and applauded the nation’s sturdy marketing campaign for a non-permanent seat on the UN Safety Council for the 2026–2027 time period.
“We got here right here stuffed with hope, and we’re leaving with hearts filled with affection and alternative. Liberia is a land of liberty, of Leymah Gbowee, of Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, and of William Tubman,” she stated.
“India has stood with Liberia via Ebola and COVID-19. Now, we’re asking Liberia to face with us on this world combat towards terrorism.”
The go to concluded with each nations pledging to deepen diplomatic ties and proceed mutual assist on the multilateral degree.
The India delegation go to additionally comes as Liberia bids for a seat on the UN Safety Council. The vote, scheduled immediately, June 3 in the course of the 79th session of the UN Basic Meeting in New York, is anticipated to return Liberia to the Safety Council for the primary time since 1961, when it briefly held a one-year time period in a compromise association with Eire. This time, Liberia is poised to serve a full time period, representing West Africa in one of many world’s strongest decision-making our bodies.
The nation’s candidacy, backed by the African Union (AU), was formally endorsed on the forty fourth Strange Session of the AU Government Council in February 2024. Liberia is working unopposed for the West African seat, changing Sierra Leone and persevering with the area’s illustration on the 15-member Council.
The Indian officers made clear their intent to again Liberia’s candidacy, with Dr. Shinde stating: “You could have stood for peace. We’re proud to face with you.”
The multiparty delegation, comprised present and former authorities officers arrived final weekend. The delegations visited a number of nations together with the Democratic Republic of Congo, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and the United Arab Emirates.
Willie N. Tokpah and Webster Clayeh contributed to this story.
