New Delhi | 4 August 2026
New Delhi witnessed an evening of diplomacy, dialogue and international collaboration as ambassadors and business leaders gathered for the India–Sierra Leone Diplomatic Dinner, reaffirming the growing role of economic diplomacy in fostering stronger global partnerships and sustainable development.
Organised under the umbrella of the United Diplomatic Council (UDC) and the India Africa Trade Council (IATC), the high-level gathering served as a platform to deepen India–Sierra Leone relations while encouraging dialogue between diplomatic missions, government representatives and the private sector to explore new opportunities for trade, investment and strategic cooperation.
The evening brought together distinguished representatives from Sierra Leone, Sri Lanka, Tunisia, Iraq, Uganda, Oman, Brazil and several other countries, reflecting the event’s international character and its commitment to strengthening bilateral and multilateral engagement. The gathering also saw participation from leaders representing diverse sectors including hospitality, healthcare, AYUSH, agriculture, biotechnology, manufacturing and trade, highlighting the importance of cross-sector collaboration in driving economic growth.
The event was further strengthened by the presence of members and representatives from several trade councils, including the India Commonwealth Trade Council (Gujarat and Tamil Nadu Chapters), the SCO Trade Council (Karnataka Chapter), and the India EU Trade Council (North India Chapter), reflecting their shared commitment to advancing international trade, investment and economic cooperation.
India and Sierra Leone have enjoyed warm and friendly diplomatic relations since 1961, built on mutual respect and a shared commitment to development. Over the years, the partnership has expanded across healthcare, education, agriculture, capacity building and trade. India continues to be one of Sierra Leone’s important development partners, with bilateral trade steadily growing across sectors such as pharmaceuticals, engineering goods, agricultural products, infrastructure, mining and technology. Both countries continue to explore new avenues for collaboration that support inclusive and sustainable economic growth.
Delivering the keynote address, His Excellency Mr. Rashid Sesay, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Sierra Leone to the United Arab Emirates, India and Bangladesh, affirmed Sierra Leone’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with India and invited Indian businesses to participate in the country’s development journey.
“Sierra Leone is entering a new era of economic transformation. We are committed to creating an enabling environment for investment and innovation, and we welcome Indian businesses to become partners in our growth story. The relationship between India and Sierra Leone has always been built on trust and mutual respect, and together we can unlock new opportunities across agriculture, healthcare, mining, tourism, infrastructure and technology.”
The evening was further honoured by the presence of Mr. Amrit Lugun, IFS (Retd.), one of India’s distinguished career diplomats. During his illustrious diplomatic career, Mr. Lugun served as the Ambassador of India to Greece, Sudan and Yemen, while also holding several senior positions in the Ministry of External Affairs. His distinguished service has contributed significantly to strengthening India’s diplomatic engagement across Africa, the Middle East and Europe.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Asif Iqbal, President of the United Diplomatic Council, emphasised the importance of economic diplomacy in strengthening international partnerships and creating sustainable opportunities for businesses and nations alike.
“The future of diplomacy lies in meaningful collaboration. Governments create the framework, but businesses drive innovation, investment and employment. By bringing together diplomats, policymakers and industry leaders, we can create partnerships that strengthen economies, encourage investment and deliver long-term, sustainable development.”
The evening concluded with networking among diplomats, business leaders, investors and industry representatives, reinforcing a shared commitment to expanding trade, encouraging investment and building enduring partnerships between India, Sierra Leone and the wider international community.
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