This article covers cultural relations, education and people-to-people links between India and Liberia, and the Indian community living in Liberia. It is based on the MEA brief of July 2026, and scholarship and community figures are as given in that brief.

Scholarships and study in India

According to the MEA brief of July 2026, India is a preferred destination for higher education and medical treatment among Liberians. India has offered 4 ICCR scholarships annually to Liberia for undergraduate and postgraduate studies. For the academic year 2025-26 the number of slots was increased to 9, and for the academic year 2026-27 it has been further increased to 20.

Three Study in India educational fairs, with the involvement of Indian universities, were held in February 2024, February 2025 and February 2026. The brief records that they drew a significant number of Liberian students.

Training for officials and diplomats

Liberia has been a beneficiary of the PAN African e-network project. According to the brief, Liberians have also benefited from capacity building programmes in India under the IAFS, the Professional Course for Foreign Diplomats conducted by the MEA, and the US-Liberia-India trilateral cooperation programme.

Mr. Emmanuel Nyuma Bawoh, Peace & Security Officer in the office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, took part in the 6th D&ISA fellowship programme at SSIFS, New Delhi, on 12-30 January 2026. ITEC training slots, which are the largest training channel, are covered in the development article of this guide.

Cultural events

The Indian Mission organises the International Day of Yoga every year, with participation from the Indian community and other communities in Liberia. The 12th International Day of Yoga was attended by Hon. Nat Bayjay, Deputy Minister for Technical Services in the Ministry of Information, as Chief Guest. A 15-member Liberian troupe led by Mr. Kekura M. Kamara, Art and Culture Ambassador of Liberia, took part in the Surajkund International Arts and Crafts Mela from 31 January to 15 February 2026.

Media and people-to-people exchanges

Two senior Liberian journalists visited India on 13-22 January 2026 for a familiarisation programme for editors and journalists from Africa, Papua New Guinea and the Pacific Islands, organised by the MEA's XP Division:

  • Mr. Bai Sama G. Best, Managing Director of the Daily Observer Newspaper
  • Ms. Christiana W. Jimmy, Managing Editor of The Inquirer Newspaper

Liberia's First Ladies have also taken part in Merck Foundation events recorded in the brief. The former First Lady, Mrs. Clar Marie Weah, attended the 10th Edition of the Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary Conference and the Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative Summit in Mumbai on 18-19 October 2023. The present First Lady, H.E. Kartumu Yarta Boakai, attended the 13th Edition of the Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary Summit, held virtually on 18-19 June 2026.

The Indian community

There are about 3500 Indian nationals and PIOs residing in Liberia. According to the brief, the community is mainly engaged in trading and providing services, and a few members have started manufacturing ventures. Indians have a major share in the pharmaceuticals and construction material sectors.

Community institutions recorded in the brief include a Hindu Temple, a Sikh Gurudwara and a cremation ground. There are two Indian Schools in Liberia, which serve Liberians and other nationals as well as Indians.

In August 2014, during the Ebola outbreak, the Indian community in Liberia donated assorted anti-Ebola material worth more than US$ 200,000 to the National Task Force on Ebola. The donation was received personally by President Sirleaf.

Diaspora engagement

On 23 October 2025, the Indian Embassy organised a seminar on "India-Liberia: Indian Diaspora's Role in Trade, Investment, and Development". It brought together members of the Indian diaspora, Liberian scholars, the chamber of commerce, think-tanks and government officials.

The brief states that the Liberian Government recognises the Indian community's substantial contribution to the Liberian economy. Individual Indian-owned businesses in mining, cement, steel and rubber are described in the trade and investment article of this guide.