BJD MP Sasmit Patra Highlights Productive Africa Visit During Transit in Togo

MP Sasmit Patra calls African tour a "fruitful experience" as Indian delegation engages in diplomatic discussions while transiting from Congo to Sierra Leone via Togo.

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Sumit Kumar
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Sasmit Patra

By A Staff Reporter

Lomé, Togo: Biju Janata Dal (BJD) Member of Parliament Sasmit Patra, currently part of an Indian parliamentary delegation touring several African nations, shared insights into the enriching nature of their diplomatic mission. Speaking during a brief transit in Lomé, Togo, Patra reflected on the group’s journey from Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, to their next destination—Freetown, Sierra Leone.

“It has been a very good experience. Presently, we are in Lomé in Togo where we are transiting from Kinshasa, Congo, going onto Freetown of Sierra Leone,” Patra said. “While we are transiting, we have had a tremendous opportunity to interact as well, get ourselves briefed, get ourselves ready.”

He emphasized that even transit periods have become valuable moments for learning and engagement. “Even during transit, it has been a learning experience to exchange notes in terms of the upcoming leg, the third State that we are going to, especially Sierra Leone—considering that it has got a relevance in the UNSC. It is an OIC state, therefore it is a wonderful experience as we commute.”

Patra praised the mission’s format, which allows for continuous interaction, briefing, and diplomatic exchange even in informal settings like airport lounges. He noted that such engagements provide deeper understanding of geopolitical dynamics and regional priorities, particularly with respect to India’s strategic outreach in Africa.