Libya
India reopens its embassy in Libya after closing down five years ago amid worsening security situation
India recently reopened its embassy in Libya just five years after it closed its operation due to the worsening security situation in the country.
The reopening of the mission, which was maintained by skeletal staff that included a consular clerk, was announced during a news conference on Monday by the foreign ministry under Libya’s National Unity Government based in Tripoli, reported Hindustan Times.
India’s new chargé d’affaires for the mission, Mohammed Aleem, attended the event.
The Libyan Foreign Ministry said in a statement posted on Facebook: "Director of the Department of Asia and Australia Affairs Mr. Nouri Fadel Al-Kaseh, at the ministry headquarters, the acting embassy of #India in #Libya, received Mr. Mohammed Aleem; immediately upon his arrival, where the meeting reviewed the announcement of resumption of the work of the #Indian Embassy from its headquarters in the capital #Tripoli, including the consular department for granting visas to Libyan citizens, and the follow-up of the arrived Indian employment conditions, where During the meeting, the two sides expressed the desire of and to activate friendly relations and cooperation in all spheres; which is an important step for both friendly countries; this is within the framework of the efforts of the National Unity Government and efforts to strengthen the bilateral relations by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs represented in the administration of Asia and Australia with the continental countries to return their embassies to work From Libya."
The Indian envoy to Tunisia is handling the relationship with Libya ever since the embassy ceased operations in 2019.
Following 2011 Libyan Revolution, India recognized the National Transition Council (NTC) on 16th November 2011 and regularly engaged with it and affirmed support to it 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 another humanitarian assistance in the form of life saving drugs and medical equipment worth US$ 1 million delivered to NTC in January 2012.
A Libyan delegation visited India in December, 2011 to explore the possibility of treatment of injured Libyans in India. GoI also sent a team of prosthetic experts to Libya for fitting ‘Jaipur Foot’.
In view of the fragile political and security situation prevailing in Libya in 2014, about 3800 Indian nationals were repatriated, which included 6 Indians kidnapped by ISIS.
The Mission, which was temporarily relocated in D’Jerba (Tunisia), was later moved to Malta.
The Mission in Tripoli resumed its operations in 2012, but was closed down in April, 2019 due to worsening security situation.
A skeletal staff of a consular clerk and a gardener is being maintained at the Embassy Residence in Tripoli.
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