MONROVIA — The Government of Liberia has formally summoned the Indian Ambassador to Liberia following the reported death of a Liberian student in India, stepping up diplomatic pressure on New Delhi to account for the circumstances surrounding the incident and to ensure a transparent investigation.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that it summoned India’s Ambassador to Liberia, His Excellency Manoj Bihari Verma, in connection with the death of Mr. Sam Paor Juday, a Liberian national who was studying at Kalinga University in the Indian state of Chhattisgarh.
According to the Ministry, Mr. Juday reportedly died on December 22, 2025, under circumstances that remain unclear, triggering serious concern within the Liberian government and prompting immediate diplomatic engagement with Indian authorities.
During the meeting with Ambassador Verma, the Ministry said it expressed deep concern over the incident and formally requested a full, thorough, and transparent investigation into the student’s death. The Ministry specifically called for an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death and to provide clarity to both the bereaved family and the Liberian public.
The Foreign Affairs Ministry stressed that the unexplained death of a Liberian citizen abroad raises troubling questions about the safety and welfare of Liberian students overseas. It said the Government of Liberia expects the matter to be treated with urgency and seriousness by the Government of India.
Ambassador Verma, according to the statement, conveyed condolences on behalf of the Government of India to the Government and people of Liberia. He assured Liberian authorities that relevant Indian institutions, including Kalinga University and local law enforcement agencies, are actively investigating the case.
The Ambassador further pledged that the Indian Embassy in Monrovia would provide regular updates on the progress of the investigation. He also committed to ensuring that the Liberian Government remains fully informed as inquiries continue.
Despite these assurances, the Ministry made clear that Liberia will closely monitor the investigation, emphasizing that diplomatic expressions of sympathy must be matched by concrete actions and timely disclosure of findings.
The Ministry also disclosed that it remains in close contact with Mr. Juday’s family in Liberia, providing support and guidance while seeking accurate and consistent information from Indian authorities regarding the case.
In its statement, the Ministry said the incident highlights broader concerns about the protection of Liberian citizens studying and working abroad. It reaffirmed the Government of Liberia’s commitment to safeguarding the rights, dignity, and welfare of Liberians overseas through sustained diplomatic engagement.
The Government extended its deepest sympathies to the family of Mr. Juday and urged Indian authorities to expedite the investigation so the truth surrounding his death can be established without delay, adding that it will continue to keep the public informed as more information becomes available.
