MONROVIA–It is clear that India and Liberia are on a new footing in their ties as they both reaffirmed their growing partnership last Friday as the Embassy of India in Monrovia hosted a reception to mark India’s 80th Independence Day, with officials highlighting stronger cooperation in trade, education, health, and multilateral engagement.
Speaking at the event, the Indian Ambassador Mr. Manoj Bihari Verma welcomed guests and said the occasion was an opportunity to remember India’s freedom fighters and to celebrate India’s progress as “a vibrant democracy, a strong economy and a responsible and respected member of the international community.”
Ambassador Verma thanked the Government and people of Liberia for their “friendship and longstanding partnership” and congratulated Liberia on its tenure as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for 2026-27.
He described the past year as one of “strength and substance” in India-Liberia relations, citing the inauguration of the Embassy of Liberia in New Delhi as a “significant milestone” for diplomatic ties.
The bilateral relationship was also advanced during the official visit of Liberia’s Foreign Minister, Sara Beysolow Nyanti, to India on 13 August 2026 where she held talks with India’s External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, with both sides reviewed cooperation in technology, agriculture, health, mining, energy, trade and investment, education, capacity building, and people-to-people exchanges.
The two ministers also discussed closer collaboration at multilateral forums “to promote peace, development and a strengthened voice of the Global South,” the Ambassador said.
Capacity building remains a pillar of India’s development partnership with Liberia, the Ambassador noted.
Under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme, annual training slots for Liberians have been doubled from 70 to 140. while ICCR scholarships have also been increased to 24.
This year, 20 Liberian students received scholarships to pursue Master’s and doctoral programmes at leading Indian institutions. More than 150 Liberians travelled to India last year for education, scholarships, and professional training.
India also provided specialized training to 30 Liberian mining officials, geologists, and engineers.
Through the IBSA Fund for South-South Cooperation, India, Brazil and South Africa are supporting the Women’s Legislative Caucus of Liberia, which the Ambassador said reflects a “shared commitment to inclusive and sustainable development.”
Economic ties are also expanding. Bilateral trade between India and Liberia reached approximately US$390 million in 2025-26, according to the Ambassador. Liberia’s exports to India more than doubled to nearly US$45 million in the same period.
“These figures demonstrate the significant potential for expanding and diversifying our economic partnership,” Amb. Verma said.
The Ambassador highlighted strong cultural ties, noting the participation of a Liberian cultural troupe at the Surajkund International Crafts Mela in India earlier this year.
He also cited ongoing initiatives including International Day of Yoga, the “Study in India” programme, tourism cooperation, and youth outreach as key to bringing the peoples of both countries closer.He thanked the Indian community in Liberia for their “hard work, goodwill and close engagement with Liberian society,” saying their contribution strengthens friendship between the two nations.
“India and Liberia share a friendship that is built on mutual respect, shared values and a common desire for peace, prosperity and development,” the Ambassador said. “As we look ahead, India remains committed to further deepening this multifaceted partnership for the benefit of our two peoples.”
The reception brought together government officials, diplomats, members of the Indian community, and Liberian partners.
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