This article covers the diplomatic relationship between India and Libya: its background, India's position and assistance during Libya's 2011 political transition, and recent official and ministerial contacts. It is based on the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) bilateral brief of June 2026.

Background

According to the MEA brief of June 2026, India and Libya "have traditionally enjoyed historic warm and friendly relations". India opened its Diplomatic Mission in Tripoli in 1969. The brief states that relations further strengthened with the visit of the then Prime Minister, Mrs. Indira Gandhi, to Libya in 1984.

India has regularly supported Libya at international fora. It welcomed UNSCR 1506, adopted on 12 September 2003, which lifted the sanctions imposed on Libya.

The 2011 transition

Following the political turmoil of 2011, India recognised the National Transition Council (NTC) on 16 November 2011 and continued to extend support at various fora.

India provided humanitarian assistance of US$ 1 million through the United Nation's Office of Commissioner of Humanitarian Aid. This was followed by further humanitarian assistance in the form of life-saving drugs and medical equipment worth US$ 1 million, delivered to the NTC in January 2012.

A Libyan delegation visited India in December 2011 to explore the possibility of treatment of injured Libyans in India. The Government of India also sent a team of prosthetic experts, 'Jaipur Foot', to Libya to fit artificial limbs.

Contacts after the period of disturbance

The brief states that during the political disturbance in Libya, the exchange of visits was restricted to the bare minimum, particularly from India. With the improvement in the security situation, India reopened its Mission in Tripoli in July 2024, which the brief says was done to revive the momentum of the bilateral relationship.

A 4-member delegation from the Libyan Ministry of Health visited India in October 2022 at the invitation of an Indian pharmaceutical company to inspect its manufacturing facilities. According to the brief, this contributed to generating business of approximately US $ 2 million.

A 13-member delegation from the Central Bank of Libya visited India in October 2023 for a training session at the invitation of M/s Dun & Bradstreet, a company dealing in commercial data, analytics and insights for businesses.

Ministerial meetings

EAM Dr. S. Jaishankar met the then Foreign Minister of Libya, H.E. Dr. Najla Al Mangoush, on 20 September 2022 on the sidelines of UNGA in New York. The two leaders reviewed aspects of enhancing bilateral relations and the evolving political and security situation in the region.

The brief notes that the Libyan side has actively participated in the Voice of Global South Summits. In January 2023, Libyan Minister of Oil & Gas Mohammed M. Oun took part in the Energy Ministers' Session and said that Libya has the potential to be the 5th largest source of energy. In November 2023, Libyan Environment Minister Ibrahim Al Arabi Munir took part in the Environment Ministers' session at VOGSS 2.0 and shared his country's concerns on environmental issues.

In February 2025, a 4-member delegation led by Mr. Mohamed B. M. Turki, Under Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Resources, visited India to attend the 21st General Session of the African-Asian Rural development Organization (AARDO), held in New Delhi on 21-22 February 2025.

Foreign Minister's visit in 2026

A 5-member delegation led by Acting Foreign Minister Mr. Taher Al-Baour took part in the India-Arab Foreign Ministers Summit on 31 January 2026. The delegation also held a bilateral meeting with EAM Dr. S. Jaishankar and reviewed the prospects of strengthening bilateral relations in diverse fields.

The brief records that this was the first visit by a Libyan Foreign Minister to India after a gap of over 15 years.