Liberia Finally Opens Embassy in India After More Than 3 Decades

New Delhi, India: At long last, Liberia has moved to restore its diplomatic mission in India, as the country opens its Embassy in New Delhi after decades of inactivity.

The Liberian Embassy in India was closed around the 1990s, about 35 years ago, due to geopolitical and financial issues that prevented the Liberian government from funding its resident diplomatic mission.

The reopening of the embassy reflects a milestone in Liberia's diplomatic corporation with the Republic of India, recognizing the growing need to foster mutual developments between the two countries.

Liberia's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sara Beysolow Nyanti, is currently in New Delhi to formally inaugurate the Embassy on behalf of the government and people of Liberia.

The initiative comes to fluition under the Unity Party administration led by President Joseph Boakai after previous governments had sought to reestablish the resident diplomatic mission in India.

Officials say the embassy reopening is significant given the large and growing number of Liberian students pursuing education and professional training in India, as well as Liberians traveling to the country for medical treatment.

The move also seeks to provide direct assistance to Liberian citizens by renewing passports for opportunities in terms of exploring scholarships, education, healthcare and capacity building among others.

As part of responsibilities, the resident diplomatic mission will prepare visas issued to foreign nationals visiting Liberia for study, work or investment programs.

Speaking ahead of the inauguration ceremony, on Thursday, August 13, Liberia's Foreign Affairs Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti described the reopening as a crucial step toward delivering practical benefits for Liberians.

“After more than three decades, Liberia once again has a permanent diplomatic home in India. This is a major milestone for our country and a testament to President Boakai’s commitment to strengthening Liberia’s global partnerships and ensuring that our diplomacy delivers tangible results for our people."

"We acknowledge the efforts of successive administrations that worked toward this goal, and today we are proud to finally bring it to fruition", she stated.

The minister said with the restoration of the embassy, Liberia will work to attract more investment opportunities and strength private-sector partnerships with India.

Minister Nyanti emphasized that India remains an important development and economic partner to Liberia, with years spanning education, health, agriculture, technology, and infrastructure.