Dr. Ben Malunga Phiri, Hon’ble Minister of Local Government and Rural Development,  Government of Malawi, Guest of Honour 

His Worship Mr. Isaac Jomo Osman, Mayor of Blantyre City Council

Distinguished members of the Indian  diaspora in Malawi,

Friends of India 

Members of the Press and Media, 

Ladies and gentlemen,

Namaskar! Good evening to you all. Mwaswera bwanji !

At the outset, I would like  to convey my heartfelt thanks and profound gratitude to Hon’ble Minister Dr Ben Phiri for gracing the occasion as our esteemed Guest of Honour.  We highly appreciate  this gesture Excellency.

I also take this opportunity to warmly welcome you all to this special gathering celebrating the Indian diaspora in Malawi under the theme "Bridging Nations: Celebrating the Indian Diaspora Role."

I thank each one of you for taking the time to join us this evening. Your presence reflects not only the strength of our community but also the enduring friendship between India and Malawi.

Today is not merely a celebration of a community; it is a celebration of a living bridge—one built over generations through trust, enterprise, compassion, shared values, and mutual respect.

As our Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi  often says that, "The Indian diaspora is India's Rashtradoot—our national ambassadors." Wherever Indians go, they carry with them not only their talent and enterprise but also the timeless values of India—democracy, pluralism, hard work, and compassion.

The story of the Indian diaspora is one of resilience, determination, and excellence. Across the world, more than 35 million people of Indian origin have made their homes in over 200 countries and territories. They have become leading captains in industry and business, and prominent figures in science, medicine, technology, education, public service, culture, and innovation fields. At the same time, they  remain deeply connected to their roots while contributing wholeheartedly to the development of their adopted countries.

The Indian diaspora is proved instrumental in further deepening people to people connects between India and its partner countries. 

Here in Malawi, the Indian community occupies a very special place. For well over a century, Indians have contributed immensely to Malawi's economic and social development. Beginning as traders and entrepreneurs, they gradually expanded into manufacturing, agriculture, healthcare, education, hospitality, financial services, pharmaceuticals, engineering, and numerous other sectors. Many people came as professionals who immensely contributed in country’s railway infrastructure and security. Thus, your contribution goes far beyond economic activities.

Today, members of the Indian diaspora are highly respected in Malawi for their hard work, sincerity and integration into the society. For that, we are proud of you, and Malawi deeply values your contribution. You have demonstrated that success is most meaningful when it is shared with your fellow needy people in the challenging times.  

Hon’ble Minister , Mayor and Friends,

The relationship between India and Malawi is founded upon shared history, common values, mutual respect, and South-South cooperation.

India has always regarded Malawi as a close and trusted partner in Africa. Our cooperation today spans multiple sectors—capacity building, healthcare, agriculture, education, information technology, defence, renewable energy, digital public infrastructure, trade, and development partnership.

More than 1700 Malawian professionals including Malawi defence personnel have received training in India through various scholarship and capacity-building programmes since 2012.

India has supported Malawi through Lines of Credit, grant assistance, humanitarian support, vaccine cooperation, and development projects.

Our partnership continues to expand, as it is based on genuine friendship and shared aspirations.

As our External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar has  aptly said "Diplomacy is no longer just about governments talking to governments; it is increasingly about connecting societies and creating partnerships among people."

Nothing illustrates this better than the role of the Indian diaspora.

Governments may create frameworks for cooperation, but it is people who give those frameworks life and meaning.

You are the  living bridge between our two nations- India and Malawi.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

India today is undergoing an extraordinary transformation. Over the past decade, India has emerged as one of the world's fastest-growing major economies. We are making remarkable progress in digital innovation, manufacturing, renewable energy, infrastructure, startups, artificial intelligence, space technology, healthcare, education, and financial inclusion.

Millions have been empowered through India Stack- Digital India, Jan Dhan, Aadhaar, UPI, Start-up India, Skill India, and many other transformative initiatives. India today is not only growing economically but is also becoming a trusted development partner and a responsible global voice.

As Prime Minister Modi has said, "The next twenty-five years—the Amrit Kaal—are the Kartavya Kaal, a period of duty." Every Indian, whether in India or overseas, has a role to play in this national journey.

Similarly, Malawi has articulated its own ambitious national vision through Malawi 2063. The objectives of Viksit Bharat 2047 and Malawi 2063 share  notable  similarities. Both aspire to build prosperous, self-reliant, inclusive, innovative, and sustainable societies.

Both visions emphasis on human capital development, industrialisation, agricultural transformation, youth empowerment, and good governance. This convergence creates enormous opportunities for deeper cooperation between our two countries. The Indian diaspora can play a pivotal role in this endevour.

Dear friends, ladies and gentlemen

I would like to especially encourage our community members to actively contribute in both  countries’s national visions. 

You possess valuable experience, entrepreneurial spirit, global networks, technological expertise, and financial resources. You not only  expand your activities in trade and investment field but also  mentor young entrepreneurs and promote innovations. You can facilitate technology transfer between two countries and adopt best business practices.

The younger generation of the Indian diaspora represents the future of India-Malawi relations. Many of you have grown up in Malawi while proudly preserving your Indian heritage and identity. You are uniquely positioned to understand both cultures and countries.

I, therefore, urge you to remain connected with your roots while fully participating in Malawi's growth and development. The future belongs to those who can connect societies, ideas, and opportunities across borders.

Hon’ble Minister , Mayor and dear Friends,

India's ancient philosophy teaches us: "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam"—"The world is one family."

This timeless mantra perfectly reflects the spirit of our gathering today. Our two nations may be geographically separated by thousands of  miles. Yet we are connected through shared humanity, mutual respect, and enduring friendship. The Indian diaspora embodies this philosophy every day.

Before I conclude, I wish to express my sincere appreciation to every member of the Indian  diaspora in Malawi. I also request all of you that you should rise to the occasion as it is our nations’s call to display your commitment to further strengthening India-Malawi long lasting relations. 

I also welcome our visiting ICCR Rajasthani cultural troupe led by Mr Appanath Kalbelia who would be showcasing its vibrant dance performance  shortly after this session. 

The High Commission of India remains committed to supporting you, engaging with you, and working together to deepen our partnership.

Together, we can create new avenues of cooperation that will benefit both our countries for generations to come. As we celebrate this evening, let us renew our collective resolve—

To stronger people-to-people ties.

To greater economic partnership.

To deeper cultural understanding.

To shared prosperity.

And to a future where India and Malawi continue to grow together as trusted friends and equal partners.

I thank you all for your presence and patience. I wish you and your families continued success, good health, and happiness.

Thank you very much!

Zikomo kwambiri !

Jai Hind, Jai Bharat !