By: Julius Konton
Foreign Affairs Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti, is currently engaged in bilateral discussions with the Embassy of India in Monrovia seeking the safety and well-being of Liberian students and nationals residing in India.
During her discussion, Minister Nyanti has been assured by the Indian Embassy that there is no immediate threat to the Liberian community in India, as the reported regional conflict is located far from the areas where Liberian students are studying.
The reassurance according to the Foreign Minister has been further supported by direct communication with the President of the Association of Liberian Students in India, who confirmed that Liberians are not currently in harm’s way.
However, the Ministry acknowledges the concerns raised by the student body regarding their general welfare and need for increased governmental support.
It can be recalled that since November 29, 2024, the Association of Liberian Students in India has officially communicated a list of urgent matters for consideration.
Among other things, They named the immediate activation of emergency consular support from either Monrovia or the Liberian Mission in China; The establishment of a Liberian Honorary Consul or interim liaison office in Punjab or New Delhi and The dispatch of a diplomatic or consular delegation to engage Indian authorities and assess the security and welfare of Liberian citizens.
In response to their requests, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirms that on December 17, 2024, the First Round of Foreign Office Consultations between Liberia and India was convened at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
According to Minister Nyanti , Central to these discussions were the welfare concerns of Liberian students, including the proposal to open a diplomatic mission capable of providing consular services in India.
She re-emphasized that the Ministry remains committed to the safety and well-being of all Liberians abroad and is actively exploring feasible diplomatic avenues to enhance support to its citizens in India.
