New Delhi, March 9 (NationPress) In response to the severe drought exacerbated by the El Niño phenomenon, India has sent a humanitarian aid delivery of 1,000 metric tons of rice to Malawi. This action underlines New Delhi's unwavering dedication to assisting partners in the Global South and promoting the principles of South-South cooperation.

"India and Malawi are united in our commitment to food security. To aid Malawi's struggle for food security due to the drought linked to the El Niño effect, India has dispatched 1,000 metric tons of rice from Nhava Sheva Port to the nation. This demonstrates India's persistent resolve to support its partners in the Global South and foster South–South collaboration," stated Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), on the social media platform X.

Currently, over 4 million individuals—approximately 20% of Malawi's population—are facing critical food shortages, leading to heightened malnutrition and families missing meals.

The ongoing crisis is largely a result of the El Niño weather pattern, which has caused unpredictable rainfall and the depletion of significant water sources such as Lake Chilwa.

In light of these conditions, the Malawian government has declared a state of disaster.

Last October, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar extended his congratulations to George Chaponda upon his appointment as Malawi's Minister of Foreign Affairs, expressing eagerness to enhance bilateral relations between India and Malawi.

"I congratulate George Chaponda on becoming the Minister of Foreign Affairs for the Republic of Malawi. With his longstanding ties to India, I look forward to strengthening our bilateral partnership," EAM Jaishankar wrote on X.

This message of congratulations followed the appointment of Chaponda by Malawi's new president, Peter Mutharika.

India and Malawi enjoy warm and cooperative bilateral relations, further reinforced by regular high-level interactions, as noted by the MEA.

President Droupadi Murmu also made a state visit to Malawi in 2024, where she engaged with then-President Lazarus Chakwera to discuss various issues aimed at deepening India-Malawi relations, according to a release from Rashtrapati Bhavan.

During her visit, President Murmu witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) covering arts and culture, youth affairs, sports, and pharmaceutical collaboration.

She paid homage at the National War Memorial in Lilongwe, honoring those who sacrificed their lives during the First and Second World Wars and other military conflicts. Additionally, she laid a wreath at the Kamuzu Mausoleum, the resting place of the first President of Malawi, Hastings Kamuzu Banda.