-Announces Expanded Partnership with Liberia
Monrovia – The Embassy of India in Monrovia, on August 15, 2026, hosted a grand reception at the Monrovia City Hall this evening to commemorate the 80th Independence Day of India, an occasion that highlighted the deepening friendship and expanding cooperation between India and Liberia.
H.E. Ambassador Manoj Bihari Verma, along with his wife Poonam and members of the Embassy family, welcomed a distinguished gathering that included senior Liberian government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, and the Indian community. H.E. Amb. Ethel Davis, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, graced the occasion as Chief Guest and delivered remarks on behalf of the Government of Liberia.
In his address, Ambassador Verma paid tribute to the freedom fighters and founding leaders who secured India’s independence in 1947 and reflected on the nation’s journey to becoming a vibrant democracy and a strong economy. He emphasized the growing momentum in India-Liberia relations, which have been bolstered by significant recent milestones.
Strengthening Diplomatic Footprint
The Ambassador highlighted the inauguration of the Embassy of Liberia in New Delhi, describing it as a “significant milestone” that will further strengthen the close ties of friendship and cooperation between the two nations. The event was reinforced by the official visit of Liberia’s Foreign Minister H.E. Mrs. Sara Beysolow Nyanti to India on August 13, 2026. During the visit, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar and Foreign Minister Nyanti reviewed the full spectrum of bilateral relations, covering technology, agriculture, health, mining, energy, trade, investment, education, capacity building, and people-to-people exchanges. The leaders also discussed deepening cooperation at multilateral forums to promote peace, development, and a strengthened voice for the Global South, including much-needed reforms at the United Nations Security Council.
A Commitment to Capacity Building
Ambassador Verma noted that capacity building remains at the heart of India’s development partnership with Liberia. Under the flagship Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme, annual training opportunities for Liberian professionals have been increased from 70 to 140, reflecting the full utilization of previous slots. More than 500 Liberians have benefited from the program over the years, with recent specialized courses covering mining, health, and law enforcement. The Ambassador also confirmed that Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) scholarships have been increased to 24, with 20 Liberian students receiving scholarships this year for Master’s and doctoral programmes at leading Indian institutions, including the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs). Over 150 Liberians traveled to India in the past year for education, scholarships, and professional training.
Development and Economic Cooperation
Development cooperation has also been strengthened through the IBSA Fund for South-South Cooperation (India, Brazil, and South Africa), which is supporting the Women’s Legislative Caucus of Liberia with a project aimed at promoting voice, leadership, and gender-responsive governance. This initiative reflects a shared commitment to inclusive and sustainable development.
Economic ties are witnessing substantial growth, with bilateral trade reaching approximately US45 million, demonstrating the immense potential for expanding and diversifying the economic partnership.
People-to-People and Cultural Ties
The people-to-people and cultural ties remain particularly warm. The Ambassador noted the participation of a Liberian cultural troupe at the Surajkund International Crafts Mela in India earlier this year, which provided a wonderful opportunity for Indian audiences to experience Liberia’s rich cultural heritage. Initiatives such as the International Day of Yoga, Study in India, and tourism cooperation are further bringing the peoples of the two countries closer.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks to the Government and people of Liberia for their friendship and longstanding partnership, and a special appreciation for the Indian community in Liberia for their contributions to the bilateral relationship. The evening featured captivating cultural performances, making it a memorable celebration of India-Liberia friendship, unity, and shared traditions.
