Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has departed the country for a five-day state visit to India, where she will be awarded the prestigious Indira Gandhi Prize, according to an official statement reaching here on Monday.

While in India, Sirleaf will receive the Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development, one of India's most prestigious awards.

Indian Honorary Consul General Upjit Singh Sachdeva was quoted as saying that the prize was awarded to the Liberian leader by an international jury for her serving as an example and an inspiration to many women in Africa and beyond; for ensuring the return of peace, democracy, development, security and order in Liberia; and for her strong interest in the consolidation and improvement of Liberia's relations with India since her first election as president in 2005 and her re-election in 2011.

Ahead of the award ceremony scheduled for Wednesday, Sirleaf and her Indian counterpart will hold bilateral talks at the Presidential Palace.

The statement added that consultations will be held between the governments of India and Liberia for cooperation in the field of geology and mineral resources, and in the field of gas and oil.