Liberian government officials, business leaders, media executives, and members of the Indian community gathered over the weekend at a colorful farewell reception in Monrovia to honor the outgoing Chargé d’Affaires at the Embassy of India, Mr. Jitendra S. Rawat, while officially welcoming his successor, Madam Poonam Gupta.
The event was filled with reflections on Mr. Rawat’s nearly four-year tenure in Liberia, with speakers describing him as a “bridge-builder” who strengthened India-Liberia ties in diplomacy, business, and cultural exchange.
Representing the Liberian media, Mr. Bai S.G. Best, Managing Director of the Daily Observer Newspaper, praised Mr. Rawat for his openness and accessibility. He recounted the Chargé d’Affaires’ early outreach efforts to engage with the press and his collaboration on India’s Independence Day supplement.
“From his first days in Monrovia, Mr. Rawat showed us that he valued communication and partnership,” Best said. “We are grateful for the embassy’s support and wish him well as he embarks on his next assignment.”
From the business community, Madam Catherine H. Karmo, Secretary General of the Liberian Chamber of Commerce, highlighted Mr. Rawat’s efforts to foster economic cooperation between Liberia and India. She recalled how he readily shared information about Indian industries, facilitated business connections, and even partnered with the Chamber on a project promoting local crops with Liberian farmers.
“Mr. Rawat’s dedication to strengthening trade and investment ties between our two countries was remarkable,” Karmo noted. “We are saddened by his departure, but we remain optimistic about continued collaboration with his successor.”
Speakers also reflected on the broader history of India’s diplomatic presence in Liberia. India’s mission in Monrovia was established in 2018, with Mr. Rawat joining the embassy team in 2021 as one of its original officers. He played a key role in setting up the mission’s operations and was instrumental in launching essential services for the Indian diaspora and Liberian citizens alike.
In his farewell remarks, Mr. Rawat expressed deep gratitude to the Liberian government, the business sector, media institutions, and the Indian community for their support during his tenure. He acknowledged the challenges of establishing the embassy’s work from scratch but celebrated important milestones achieved in record time.
“When I arrived, the embassy was still in its early stages, but with teamwork and commitment, we were able to launch full passport and visa services within just 18 months,” Mr. Rawat said. “I am profoundly grateful to community leaders, business partners, media colleagues, and friends who made my journey in Liberia smooth and meaningful.”
The evening concluded with a warm welcome for Madam Gupta, who now assumes leadership of the Embassy of India in Monrovia. Attendees expressed confidence that she will continue to build on Mr. Rawat’s achievements and further strengthen bilateral cooperation between India and Liberia.
The reception ended with applause and words of encouragement, marking both the end of an era under Mr. Rawat’s stewardship and the beginning of a new chapter under Gupta’s leadership.
