MONROVIA, LIBERIA-Indian Ambassador to Liberia Manoj Verma has emphasised the importance of strengthening people-to-people ties between India and Liberia through education, training and cultural exchange.
Ambassador Verma believes strengthening people-to-people ties between Liberians and Indians will leverage more opportunities for citizens of both countries.
In a release issued on Friday, the Indian Envoy expressed his Country’s readiness to provide an additional 160 international scholarship slots for Liberians under different programs, including the Indian Council for Cultural Relations.
The ambassador noted that applications for these scholarships are currently open, with the deadline set for 15 April this year.
The Indian Ambassador spoke on Friday, April 10, 2026, in Monrovia during the celebration of the 77th Foundation Day of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations.
The 77th Foundation Day of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations, which is also known as ‘ICCR Day’, was celebrated with great enthusiasm, bringing together participants from different sectors.
The celebration was particularly significant as it marked the first-ever observance of ICCR Day in Liberia. The Embassy expressed its intention to make this an annual event and develop it into a platform to connect with ICCR and ITEC alumni, as well as friends of India.
The event was attended by several distinguished guests, including Kekura Malawala Kamara, Art and Culture Ambassador of Liberia; Angela Morris, Assistant Minister in the Government of Liberia; and Alaskai Moore Johnson, Acting President of the Liberia Alumni of India-Trained Professionals and ITEC Alumni Association.
Ambassador of India, Manoj Bihari Verma, warmly welcomed the guests and appreciated Kamara’s leadership, as well as the participation of the Liberian cultural troupe at the recent Surajkund Mela in India.
Angela Morris was also recognised for her recent participation in the prestigious Raisina Young Fellows Programme in India, reflecting the growing engagement between the two countries in leadership and policy dialogue.
Over the years, ICCR has contributed significantly to connecting people across the world by promoting Indian culture through cultural programmes, exchanges of artists and scholars, and by offering scholarships and fellowships to international students.
The Indian Ambassador has since acknowledged the vital role of alumni of these programs as a bridge between India and Liberia and reaffirmed India’s commitment to further strengthening the longstanding friendship between the two countries.
Also speaking, Liberia’s Art and Culture Ambassador, Kekura Malawala Kamara, expressed appreciation for the invitation, noting that such events reflect India’s commitment to sharing its rich cultural heritage globally.
Ambassador Kamara highlighted that cultural exchanges not only strengthen diplomatic relations but also deepen people-to-people connections and create new opportunities for collaboration.
Alaskai Moore Johnson, Angela Morris, and several alumni also shared their experiences and perspectives during the event.
The celebration concluded with vibrant cultural performances by Liberian artists and a showcase of Indian cuisine.