A call for Reactivation of the Liberian Consulate/Embassy in India

By A. Clarence Ndebeh

Liberia and India have a long-standing diplomatic relationship that dates back to the nineteenth century. The two nations established diplomatic ties for peaceful coexistence, as reflected in their foreign policies. Since then, Liberia and India have enjoyed a fruitful relationship. Samuel K. Doe was the first Liberian head of state to visit India in 1983. The visit aimed to strengthen diplomatic ties between the two nations. President Doe’s visit marked the beginning of a mutually beneficial partnership that continues to this day. Both countries have worked together on various issues of mutual interest, promoting trade, cultural exchange, and development cooperation. 

The diplomatic relations between Liberia and India have stood the test of time and continue to thrive, setting an example for other nations to follow. In 2015, H.E. President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, then President of the Republic of Liberia, visited India. This visit was a significant step towards strengthening the bilateral relations between the two countries. The visit yielded fruitful results, with governments signing numerous agreements and Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs). 

One of the major outcomes of the visit was the significant investments by the Indian government in Liberia’s entrepreneurship development.  These investments are aimed at promoting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Liberia, which would contribute to the country’s economic growth. (https://www.indianembassymonrovia.gov.in/commercial-brief.php)

With the visit, the Indian government announced the establishment of consulates in various countries, including Liberia, which would further promote trade and cultural exchanges between the two nations. Overall, H.E. President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf’s visit to India played a crucial role in strengthening the partnership between Liberia and India and paved the way for future collaborations in various sectors.

Despite the gains made over the years,  one area Liberia has fallen short of is the lack of representation in India. The Liberian Consulate/Embassy in India was closed several years ago due to financial constraints, leaving many Liberians living in India without proper consular services. (https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/India%E2%80%93Liberia_relations). This has caused inconvenience for Liberians seeking visas, passports, and other consular services. Furthermore, it has hindered the development of economic and cultural ties between the two nations. Therefore, there is a pressing need for the Liberian Consulate/Embassy to be reactivated in India.

The revitalization of the Liberian Consulate/Embassy in India would not only provide essential services to Liberians but also promote trade and investment opportunities between the two countries, fostering stronger bilateral relations. It is crucial that the Liberian government takes the necessary steps to reopen its representation in India and strengthen its presence in the region to fully harness the potential benefits of this partnership.

Why must President Joseph Nyumah Boakai reinstall the consulate of India and strengthen diplomatic ties with India?

As the former Vice President of Liberia, President Joseph Nyumah Boakai is aware of the importance of strong diplomatic ties with other nations. In particular, the consulate of India holds a significant role in promoting economic and cultural relations between the two countries. By reinstating the consulate and strengthening diplomatic ties with India, President Boakai can pave the way for increased trade and investment opportunities and foster cultural exchange and cooperation. India is a global leader in technology, education, and healthcare, and by building a closer relationship with this nation, Liberia can benefit from its expertise and resources.

Furthermore, reinstating the consulate also shows a commitment to maintaining friendly relations with India, which can be crucial in times of global crises or emergencies.

With the world becoming increasingly interconnected, it is vital for President Boakai to prioritize the reinstatement of the consulate of India and strengthen diplomatic ties to ensure mutual benefits and a brighter future for both nations.

During my search for help, I spoke with Esther Flomo, one of the potential graduating seniors in the public health program at Siksha O Anusandhan Deemed University. In our conversation, Esther expressed her concerns about studying in a country with over two thousand (2,000) Liberian students without a permanent consulate to turn to in case of emergencies. She emphasized “that our lives are not secure without someone to intervene on our behalf during critical situations”. Esther also shared that many times, Indians take advantage of this situation and deny international students their rights at certain facilities simply because the government appoints no official representative to advocate for them.

This lack of support and representation can be distressing for international students, making navigating through emergencies and other challenging situations difficult. Esther’s words shed light on the importance of having a permanent consulate or representative for international students in countries like India to ensure their safety and well-being.

                      Conclusion

In conclusion, India has demonstrated a strong commitment to supporting Liberia in various crucial areas, helping to rescue Liberians and build a better future for the country. As we move forward, it is important for the president to reaffirm his government’s dedication to promoting peaceful coexistence and revitalizing the economy through continued investments in agriculture and education.

Additionally, there is great potential for cooperation between India and Liberia in other areas, such as transportation, healthcare, and entrepreneurs’ development, which can further strengthen the relationship between the two countries. It is crucial for both nations to continue collaborating and working towards mutual growth and progress for the benefit of their people. With India’s unwavering support and partnership, Liberia can continue to make strides towards achieving a stable and prosperous future.

About the Author: The author is an MBA Students at the Punjab Technical University, India