The Embassy of India in Liberia on Friday hosted a colorful ceremony in Monrovia to mark the 79th Independence Anniversary of the Republic of India, with both nations reaffirming their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations.
Indian Ambassador to Liberia, Manoj Bihari Verma, in a statement highlighted India’s journey since gaining independence on August 15, 1947, describing it as a day of reflection on the sacrifices of the nation’s founding fathers and the continuing efforts to build a robust democracy, strong economy, and respected global presence.
The Ambassador Verma expressed gratitude to Liberia for its longstanding partnership, congratulating the country on its election as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for 2027. “This is a proud moment not only for Liberia but for the entire African continent,” he said, pledging India’s readiness to work closely with Liberia in advancing peace and development globally.
He also commended Liberia for joining the International Big Cat Alliance, an Indian-led initiative to protect endangered wildlife, and recalled the first round of Foreign Office Consultations held in December 2024 as evidence of deepening bilateral ties.
The envoy noted that more than 450 Liberian professionals have been trained in India under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) program, while a group of 27 nurses recently benefited from a Nursing Leadership and Management program in Chandigarh. He further underscored the proud legacy of India’s female peacekeepers, who served in Liberia from 2007 to 2016 as the country’s first all-women contingent.
On trade, he disclosed that bilateral exchanges reached US$390.7 million in the 2024–25 financial year, a 54 percent increase from the previous year, with Liberia’s exports to India rising by 64 percent. He credited this growth partly to India’s Duty-Free Tariff Preference Scheme and the introduction of e-Visas for Liberians.
Cultural exchanges, including yoga celebrations, education fairs, and tourism events, were also highlighted as platforms that continue to strengthen people-to-people ties. The Ambassador thanked the Indian community in Liberia for being “true ambassadors” in nurturing the partnership.
Representing President Joseph Nyuma Boakai and Foreign Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti, Liberia’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Ibrahim Nyei, delivered a solidarity message, praising India’s transformation over seven decades into a “strong, proud, and progressive nation.”
The Deputy Minister Nyei reaffirmed Liberia’s commitment to deepening relations in education, health, and technical cooperation. He also lauded the more than 3,000-strong Indian community in Liberia for their “invaluable contributions” to commerce, healthcare, and civil society.
Looking forward, the Liberian official welcomed the launch of the Liberia-India Joint Commission on Cooperation, describing it as a platform to expand trade and investment under the government’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development. He emphasized that Liberia remains committed to supporting India in global institutions, including the United Nations.
“As Liberia and India continue to nurture and deepen our ties, we remain committed to cultivating new opportunities that promote peace, prosperity, and the well-being of our peoples,” he stated.
The ceremony concluded with both sides exchanging goodwill messages, reaffirming their shared vision for stronger ties and mutual development.
