NEW DELHI, MARCH 11, 2025 – The second round of Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) between India and Sierra Leone was held in New Delhi on March 10, 2025. The consultations were co-chaired by Mr. Sevala Naik Mude, Additional Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs, and H.E. Mr. Alan C. E. Logan, Director General, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
The FOC provided an opportunity for both sides to review their bilateral relations in various areas, including trade, investment, health and pharmaceuticals, education, and people-to-people exchanges. India pledged its continued support for Sierra Leone's capacity building in different fields, with the aim of further developing their development partnership.
Both countries noted progress made on India Stack following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation in sharing successful digital solutions implemented at population scale for digital transformation. They also discussed next steps for implementation and agreed to deepen and diversify bilateral ties in key areas such as defence cooperation, energy development, and development cooperation.
The co-chairs engaged in in-depth discussions on regional and global issues of significance, including multilateral organizations like the United Nations. Sierra Leone expressed its willingness to support India's candidature for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for 2028-29. Additionally, they agreed to expedite the process of approval from Sierra Leonean government to sign the Agreement of International Solar Alliance (ISA), recognizing Indian Pharmacopoeia and joining the Global Biofuels Alliance.
The two countries have enjoyed warm and friendly relations, with regular visits and engagements between their governments and people. The opening of India's Resident Mission in Freetown in 2020 has further increased bilateral engagement. In recent years, India-Sierra Leone bilateral trade has registered significant growth, reaching $298 million in 2023-24, a three-fold increase over the last decade.
Sierra Leone benefits from the Duty-Free Tariff Preference (DFTP) scheme extended by India, which will help boost their exports of bulk minerals, ores, and other commodities to India. There is also considerable potential for growth in other sectors, such as agriculture, mineral exploration, and pharmaceuticals, digital space, and more.
Indian companies have been increasing their investments in Sierra Leone, with a notable recent investment of $240 million by M/s. Odhav in a scrap-based steel plant. The FOC meeting was held in a friendly atmosphere, with both sides agreeing to hold the next round of Foreign Office Consultations in Freetown at a mutually convenient date.
The next round of consultations will further strengthen bilateral ties and foster cooperation between India and Sierra Leone in various areas of common interest.