By Foday Moriba Conteh
India has reaffirmed its commitment to democracy, multilateralism, and strengthened cooperation with Sierra Leone, as the High Commissioner of India to Sierra Leone, Baisnab Charan Pradhan, delivered key addresses during activities marking the 77th Republic Day of India in Freetown.
The main Republic Day reception was held on Monday, 26 January 2026, at the Mamba Point Lagoonda Resort in Aberdeen, Freetown, and was attended by senior Government officials, members of the diplomatic and consular corps, representatives of the media, members of the Indian diaspora and invited guests. The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation served as the Chief Guest.
In his address, High Commissioner, Baisnab Charan Pradhan, recalled that Republic Day, celebrated annually on 26 January, commemorates the adoption of the Indian Constitution in 1950. He described the Constitution as a symbol of India’s enduring commitment to democracy, the rule of law, justice, liberty, equality and fraternity; values that continue to guide the country as a pluralistic democracy of more than 1.4 billion people.
The High Commissioner noted that India today stands among the world’s fastest-growing major economies and has emerged as a global hub for innovation, science and technology. Against a backdrop of global conflict and uncertainty, he said India seeks to act as a responsible international actor by championing multilateralism, inclusive growth, digital transformation, climate action and people-centred governance.
Highlighting bilateral relations, Baisnab Charan Pradhan said India and Sierra Leone share long-standing and friendly ties grounded in mutual respect, shared democratic values and a strong people-to-people connection, particularly through the Indian diaspora. He outlined cooperation between the two countries in education, healthcare, agriculture, infrastructure, defence training, digital solutions and development assistance, and expressed India’s readiness to expand engagement across additional sectors.
He commended Sierra Leone’s leadership in regional and international affairs, praising President Julius Maada Bio for his role as Chair of ECOWAS. He noted efforts to promote democracy, strengthen regional security and advance economic integration, including initiatives aimed at reducing intra-regional air travel costs. The High Commissioner also highlighted President Bio’s advocacy for Africa’s position on global governance reform, aligning with India’s long-standing call for comprehensive reform of the United Nations Security Council.
The Indian envoy further acknowledged Sierra Leone’s domestic governance reforms, citing youth empowerment programmes, civilian-led security reforms and the Feed Salone initiative, which he said has improved food security, reduced dependence on rice imports and boosted exports of key agricultural products such as cocoa, cashew and coffee.
Baisnab Charan Pradhan paid tribute to the Indian diaspora and business community in Sierra Leone, describing them as a vital bridge between the two nations. He highlighted their contributions to trade, healthcare, education, employment and philanthropy, with particular reference to healthcare, education, and community development initiatives undertaken by Indian-owned businesses, including the Choithram Group and other enterprises.
He also noted the expanding footprint of Indian manufacturing and investment in Sierra Leone across sectors such as food and beverages, steel, cement, plastics, packaging, healthcare, education, agriculture and renewable energy, adding that more Indian companies are actively exploring investment opportunities in the country.
On development cooperation, the High Commissioner disclosed that India has extended concessional Lines of Credit to Sierra Leone amounting to approximately US$250 million, supporting projects in irrigation, water supply, agriculture, public lighting, transmission lines and university infrastructure. He said projects worth about US$100 million have already been completed, and confirmed that the Detailed Project Report for a proposed Science and Technology University in Koidu, Kono District, has been approved.
He further highlighted capacity-building initiatives, noting that more than 80 Sierra Leonean Government officials benefited from Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) training programmes in the past year, while dozens of Sierra Leonean students received scholarships under the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR). Cooperation in digital governance, aquaculture, school feeding and disability support under India–UN partnership programmes was also outlined.
Earlier in the day, High Commissioner Baisnab Charan Pradhan delivered a national address on behalf of the President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, during the Republic Day flag-unfurling ceremony at the High Commission of India on Wilkinson Road in Freetown.
In the President’s message, warm greetings were extended to Indians at home and abroad. Republic Day was described as a moment for reflection on India’s past, present and future as a sovereign democratic republic. The address recalled India’s independence in 1947 and the coming into force of the Constitution in 1950, which firmly anchored the nation in democratic ideals.
Tributes were paid to national icons including Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel for his role in unifying the nation, as well as Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, whose birth anniversary is observed as Parakram Diwas. The message also highlighted commemorations marking 150 years of the national song “Vande Mataram.”
The President’s address praised the collective contributions of India’s armed forces, police, farmers, healthcare workers, teachers, scientists, entrepreneurs, artists, youth and Overseas Indians, describing them as the backbone of a vibrant republic.
The message emphasized democratic participation, women-led development, youth empowerment, economic growth, environmental stewardship under the Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE) initiative, and India’s commitment to global peace. It concluded with a call for unity, patriotism and collective effort under the spirit of “Nation First.”
The Republic Day ceremonies in Freetown underscored the strong and growing partnership between India and Sierra Leone, reaffirming shared values, mutual respect and a common vision for peace, development and prosperity.
