CITY HALL–On behalf of my wife Poonam and all members of the Embassy of India family, it gives me great pleasure to welcome you all this evening as we celebrate the 80th Independence Day of India.
On this special occasion, we remember the great sacrifices made by our freedom fighters and founding leaders, who secured India’s independence from colonial rule in 1947. We also remember all those who, over the years, have helped build India into a vibrant democracy, a strong economy and a responsible and respected member of the international community.
I would like to express my sincere thanks to the Government and people of Liberia for their friendship and longstanding partnership with India. We greatly value our close and cordial relations with Liberia. We also congratulate Liberia on its service as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the 2026-27 term, and wish it every success in this important responsibility.
Over the past year, our partnership has continued to grow in strength and substance. We congratulate Liberia on inauguration and opening of Embassy of Liberia in New Delhi. Establishment of the Resident Mission is a significant milestone and enable further strengthening of close ties of friendship and cooperation between India and Liberia.The official visit of the Minister of Foreign Affairs H.E. Mrs. Sara Beysolow Nyanti, to India on 13 August 2026 and the bilateral talks between External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar and Foreign Minister provided an opportunity to review the full spectrum of India-Liberia bilateral relations, including technology, agriculture, health, mining, energy, trade and investment, education, capacity building and people-to-people exchanges. They also exchanged views on regional and multilateral issues of mutual interest. Both Ministers also discussed deepening cooperation at multilateral fora to promote peace, development and a strengthened voice of the Global South.
Capacity building remains at the heart of India’s development partnership with Liberia. Under the ITEC programme, we have doubled the annual training opportunities for Liberia from 70 to 140. ICCR scholarships have also been increased to 24. This year, 20 Liberian students have received scholarships to pursue Master’s and doctoral programmes at leading institutions in India. More than 150 Liberians travelled to India last year for education, scholarships and professional training. We were also pleased to provide specialised training to 30 Liberian mining officials, geologists and engineers.
Development cooperation has also been strengthened through the IBSA Fund for South-South Cooperation (India, Brazil, and South Africa), supporting the Women’s Legislative Caucus of Liberia, reflecting our shared commitment to inclusive and sustainable development.
Our economic ties are growing as well. Bilateral trade reached around US$390 million in 2025-26, while Liberia’s exports to India more than doubled to nearly US$45 million. These figures demonstrate the significant potential for expanding and diversifying our economic partnership.
Our people-to-people and cultural ties remain particularly warm. The participation of a Liberian cultural troupe at the Surajkund International Crafts Mela in India earlier this year 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, tourism cooperation and youth outreach are further bringing our peoples closer.
India and Liberia share a friendship that is built on mutual respect, shared values and a common desire for peace, prosperity and development. As we look ahead, India remains committed to further deepening this multifaceted partnership for the benefit of our two peoples.
I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the Indian community in Liberia. Through your hard work, goodwill and close engagement with Liberian society, you contribute greatly to the friendship between our two countries.
Finally, I thank all of you for joining us this evening and making this celebration special. My sincere thanks also go to our Indian and Liberian colleagues at the Embassy, who have worked so hard to organise today’s celebrations.
I wish you all a very happy evening and, once again, a very Happy Independence Day to all Indians and friends of India.
Thank you. Jai Hind.
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