India-Liberia strengthen ties during first round of Foreign Office Consultations
| 2024-12-20
Representative image.
The Liberian Ministers lauded India’s pivotal role in advocating for the African Union’s permanent membership in the G20
The first-ever Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) between India and Liberia were successfully held in Monrovia on December 17, 2024. Co-chaired by Sevala Naik Mude, Additional Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs, India, and Sara Beysolow Nyanti, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Liberia, the meeting marked a significant milestone in the bilateral relations between the two nations.
The consultations witnessed participation from key Liberian ministers, including those from Commerce & Industry, Finance, and Information, Culture, and Tourism, alongside Deputy Ministers of Foreign Affairs. Mude’s visit also included meetings with prominent Liberian leaders, including Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung, Minister of Health and Social Welfare Louise M. Kpoto, Minister of Agriculture J Alexander Nuetah, and Minister of Commerce & Industry Madam Magdalene Ellen Dagoseh.
During these discussions, the Liberian Ministers lauded India’s pivotal role in advocating for the African Union’s permanent membership in the G20. They also emphasized Liberia’s active participation in India’s Voice of Global South Summits, underscoring the importance of G20 representation in strengthening the Global South’s voice on the global stage.
The FOC provided a platform for both nations to review their robust and growing bilateral ties. Discussions spanned multiple sectors, including trade, investment, mining, agriculture, health and pharmaceuticals, education, and capacity building.
Notable agreements were reached to:
Deepen collaboration in contemporary areas such as Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), energy development, and broader development cooperation.
Support each other’s candidature for a non-permanent seat at the United Nations Security Council for 2028-2029 on a reciprocal basis.
The Co-Chairs exchanged views on regional and global issues, highlighting the shared commitment to multilateralism and sustainable development.
Bilateral trade between India and Liberia reached an impressive USD 256 million in 2023-24, with a significant share attributed to India’s exports. Liberia, benefiting from India’s duty-free tariff preference scheme, has increased exports of timber, vegetable oil, and rubber. Recognising untapped potential in agriculture, mineral exploration, and pharmaceuticals, both sides committed to expanding economic cooperation.
India’s presence in Liberia’s business landscape is noteworthy, with over 200 Indian companies operating across sectors such as automobiles, mining, healthcare, and electronics. Some firms engage in manufacturing and mining activities, reinforcing the strong economic linkage.
Diplomatic Progress
The opening of India’s Resident Mission in Monrovia in 2021 has significantly enhanced bilateral interactions. In a reciprocal gesture, Liberia expressed its intent to establish a resident mission in New Delhi, further solidifying the diplomatic bond.
As the FOC concluded, both nations agreed to hold the next round of consultations in New Delhi at a mutually convenient date. This commitment signifies the enduring partnership and shared vision for development and prosperity.
India and Liberia have historically shared warm relations. Liberia has consistently supported India’s initiatives in various United Nations forums. Earlier in 2024, Liberia’s Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung’s visit to New Delhi for the 19th CII India-Africa Business Conclave further underscored the deepening ties. The conclave emphasized Africa’s growth and the critical role of India-Africa partnerships in global value chain integration.
India’s robust economic growth, coupled with its focus on improving institutional strength and governance, offers valuable opportunities for Liberia. With a young demographic and increasing alignment of regional goals, the India-Liberia partnership is poised for greater achievements in the years to come.
The first FOC symbolizes not only a review of past collaborations but also a roadmap for future engagements, marking a new chapter in India-Liberia relations.
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