President Droupadi Murmu concludes her three-nation African visit

President Droupadi Murmu arrived in Malawi on 17 October 2024 as part of her three African nation’s official visit. President Dropuadi was on a three-nation official visit to Algeria, Mauritania and Malawi from 13-19 October 2024. She first visited Algeria (13-15 October), Mauritania (16 October ), and finally Malawi.

President Murmu also has the distinction of being the first Indian president to visit Algeria, Mauritania and Malawi.

Highlights of President Murmu's Visit to Malawi 

President Droupadi Murmu visited Malawi from 17-19 October 2024. She was received at the Kamuzu International Airport, Lilongwe, by the Vice President of Malawi, Michael Usi, on 17 October 2024.

During her meeting with the Malawi President, Dr Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera, both the leaders discussed bilateral issues.

Four memorandums of understanding(MoU) were signed between the two countries to strengthen bilateral relations. These MoUs were on;

• Arts & Culture, 
• Youth Matters,
• Sports and 
• Pharmaceutical cooperation

President Murmu also addressed the India-Malawi Business Meet in the Malawian capital of Lilongwe.

She also laid a wreath at the Mausoleum of the first President of Malawi, Dr Hastings Kamuzu Banda.

Indian Assistance to Malawi

• President Droupadi Mumu announced that India will help Malawi set up a permanent Artificial Limb Fitment Centre (Jaipur Foot). The Government of India, under its ‘India for Humanity’ initiative, set up an  Artificial Limbs Fitment Camp in Lilongwe at Kamuzu Central Hospital. It was inaugurated by Vice President Venkaiah Naidu in 2018.
• 1000 MT of rice provided as humanitarian assistance by the Indian government and was symbolically handed over to the Malawi government.
• The Bhabhatron cancer treating machine, gifted by the government of India, was symbolically handed to the Malawi government.

India Malawi Relationships 

India and Malawi share cordial and friendly relationships, with India providing significant aid and assistance to Malawi.

India established diplomatic relations with Malawi in 1964 after it gained independence from Great Britain in 1964.

The Indian High Commission closed in 1993 and was again reopened in 2012 in Malawi.

Malawi is a major supplier of pulses to India. In 2021, India signed an MoU with Malawi to import 50,000 tonnes of tur pulse per annum for the next five years.

India is also one of the largest investors in Malawi, with over $ 500 million worth of investment.

Around 8,500 People of Indian origin, mainly from Gujarat, live in Malawi. 

President's Visit to Algeria 

https://utkarsh.com/current-affairs/president-droupadi-murmu-conferred-an-honorary-doctorate-in-algeria

President's Visit to Mauritania 

https://utkarsh.com/current-affairs/india-and-mauritania-sign-four-mous-during-president-murmus-visit

About Malawi

Malawi is a landlocked country in Southeastern Africa surrounded by Tanzania, Mozambique and Zambia.

Lake Malawi, also known as Lake Nyasa, accounts for around one-fifth of Malawi’s geographical area.

Currency: Malawian kwacha

Capital: Lilongwe

President: Dr Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera