India's commitment to global counter-terrorism efforts extends far beyond its immediate neighborhood. A recent example of this is the dispatch of multi-party delegations to various countries, including Sierra Leone and Liberia, to articulate India's position on terrorism and build international consensus against it. This outreach, undertaken in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor, highlights India's proactive approach to combating terrorism on a global scale.

The selection of Sierra Leone and Liberia as destinations for these delegations underscores the strategic importance India places on its relationship with African nations. India has a long history of engagement with Africa, rooted in shared values and a common vision for development. This relationship is further strengthened by India's commitment to supporting peace, security, and stability in the region.

India's involvement in Sierra Leone dates back to its contribution of troops to the UN Assistance Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL) in 2000-2001. This deployment left a positive impact and demonstrated India's commitment to maintaining peace and security in the country. In line with its growing engagement, India opened a resident mission in Freetown in August 2020, further solidifying its diplomatic presence. India has also provided assistance to Sierra Leone in various forms, including medical equipment and medicines to combat Ebola, supplies of non-basmati rice, and the gifting of military barracks. Additionally, India has supported Sierra Leone's electoral process by donating indelible ink for presidential elections.

Similarly, India and Liberia share long-standing friendly relations, with Liberia consistently supporting India's candidature at various United Nations forums. India opened a resident mission in Monrovia in May 2021, signaling its commitment to strengthening bilateral ties. Trade between the two countries has witnessed steady growth, with India emerging as one of Liberia's key trading partners. India has also contributed to Liberia's development through grants for the construction of a military hospital and the donation of buses. A notable example of India's contribution to peace and security in Liberia is the deployment of the first-ever all-women contingent in UN peacekeeping, the Female Formed Police Unit of the CRPF, from 2007 to 2016.

The visit of the anti-terror outreach team to Sierra Leone and Liberia is particularly significant in the context of global counter-terrorism efforts. These countries, like many others in Africa, face the threat of terrorism and violent extremism. By engaging with these nations, India aims to share its expertise and experiences in combating terrorism, while also learning from their unique challenges and perspectives. The delegations will meet with government officials, parliamentarians, and other stakeholders to discuss ways to strengthen cooperation in areas such as intelligence sharing, law enforcement, and counter-radicalization.

Moreover, India's outreach to Sierra Leone and Liberia is aligned with its broader strategy of building partnerships with African countries to address common security challenges. India has been actively involved in providing training and capacity-building support to African security forces, as well as participating in joint military exercises. India also supports African-led initiatives to counter terrorism, such as the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) in the Lake Chad Basin region.

India's commitment to counter-terrorism in Africa is driven by several factors. First, India recognizes that terrorism is a global threat that requires a coordinated international response. Second, India has a strong interest in promoting peace and stability in Africa, as it is essential for the continent's development and prosperity. Third, India sees Africa as a key partner in its own fight against terrorism, as many terrorist groups operate across borders and pose a threat to both regions. By working together, India and African countries can enhance their ability to prevent and respond to terrorist attacks.

The visit of India's anti-terror outreach team to Sierra Leone and Liberia is a testament to India's unwavering commitment to combating terrorism and promoting international cooperation. It also highlights India's growing role as a responsible and reliable partner in Africa, dedicated to supporting the continent's peace, security, and development.