India’s 73rd Republic Day Celebrates Upgraded Bilateral Relations with Liberia

Indian Ambassador Yadav (2nd from left) poses with representatives of the Aware International School at the 73rd India Republic Day celebration in Monrovia.

The Government of Liberia has hailed its bilateral relationship with India as the Asian country celebrates its 73rd Republic Day, saying the two countries shared deep historic bonds that span through decades.

It was under these reassurances of mutual respect and cooperation that the Indian Embassy near Monrovia celebrated its country's 73rd Republic Day in a colorful ceremony at the Mamba Point Hotel.  

India’s Republic Day is celebrated on January 26, every year since 1950, when the Constitution of an Independent India was promulgated. 

“On this day, the President of India presides over a colorful Parade by the Indian Armed Forces and paramilitary and display of our military prowess and arsenal as also tableaux depicting the folk dances, music, and development from different States at the Raj Path in New Delhi," said India’s first Ambassador to Liberia, Mr. Pradip Kumar Yadav, in a statement delivered at the ceremony. 

In Liberia, the ceremony comprised diverse cultural performances and speeches that highlight the shared relationship between the two countries. It is being celebrated under the aegis of ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’, translated as ‘Nector Festival of the Independence’, which is being celebrated from 21 st March, 2021 to 15 th August, 2023.

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In a congratulatory message to the Indian Embassy near Monrovia, the government of Liberia said that it was ready to enhance the cordial relations and historic bonds of friendship, while it remains open to mutually explore ways of increasing investment opportunities for the benefit of the two countries.

“As we celebrate this historic day, which marks the National Day Anniversary of your great county, it gives us great pleasure to indicate that our doors remain open to collaborate with the Government and great people of the Republic of India,” said Madame Naomie M. Gray, Assistant Minister for Afro-Asian Affairs, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on behalf of the Government of Liberia. 

“This, we believe, is a pathway to further enhancing our relationship and that we assure you of Liberia's commitment to the long-standing relationship between our two countries and peoples," she said.

Min. Gray then expressed thanks to India for its numerous contributions to Liberia over the years, which includes a donation of buses for public use, something which has helped tremendously in easing our transportation problems "as well as the provisions of technical support In developing the country human resource capacity and for funding the constructions of the 14 military hospitals that was used for the fight against Covid-19."

Earlier, Ambassador Yadav, noted that his country has always strived to have good friendly relations with all other countries including its neighbors. According to him, India’s decision to upgrade bilateral relations with Liberia led to the opening of a resident Mission in Liberia, which he now heads; and is a testament to their warm and friendly relations for the last many decades. 

"Both countries share common views on the important issues affecting the world, be it human rights, women empowerment, international peace, solar energy, environmental protection and above all democracy," Amb. Yadav added. "I would also like to thank the friendly Liberian government for providing an encouraging and conducive business environment to the Indian community.  I am pleased to announce that the law-abiding Indian community has also been contributing its fair share to the growing Liberian economy.  

"From time to time India has been contributing towards the development-friendly Liberia by way of supply of passenger buses, fire trucks, agricultural assistance, capacity building programmes, cash contribution for the 14th Military Hospital, etc.  During the difficult times of Ebola in 2014-15, the Government of India stood by its friend Liberia and extended bilateral cash  assistance and US$10 million to the UN Fund for Ebola-affected countries including Liberia," Amb. Yadav.

The Indian ambassador recalled that his country also actively participated in the peacekeeping efforts of the United Nations Mission in Liberia from 2007 to 2016 and deployed an Indian Army contingent.   

“The first-ever all-women contingent in the history of UN peacekeeping was the Female Formed Police Unit of the Central Reserve Police Force of India, deployed in friendly Liberia. The female contingent not only generated enormous goodwill for India during its long deployment but has also been a source of inspiration for the Liberian people, especially women,” the Ambassador said. 

He added India is also a land of opportunity for everyone as of its citizens from the minor, who have held high offices in the armed forces, judiciary and the legislature. 

“We are not only the land of religion and spiritualism, India is also the land of great Scientists, Doctors, Inventors, IT experts, and  Bankers.  The Silicon Valley of California has more Indian CEOs and IT experts than other nationalities," Amb. Yadav noted.