His Excellency  Dr Bright Molande , Principal Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Republic of Malawi

His Excellency Hon. Christopher Jana, Mayor of the Zomba City Council 

H.E  Prof Samson Sajidu, Vice Chancellor  of  University of Malawi 

Key note speakers, faculty members of UNIMA 

Members from Press and Media 

distinguished guest and audience 

Ladies and gentlemen 

Namaskar to all of you!

It gives me immense pleasure to warmly welcome all of you at the India Dialogue in Malawi’s prestigious  university of Malawi in Zomba. I take this opportunity to convey my heartfelt thanks and profound gratitude to His Excellency  Dr George Chaponda , Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs for nominating H.E Dr Bright Molande, Principal Secretary in Ministry of Foreign Affairs  to grace the occasion as our Guest of Honour.

I also thanks the University of Malawi especially Vice Chancellor Prof Samson Sajidu for collaborating with the High Commission to host the first edition of India Dialogue in Malawi.  

The India Dialogue aims to bring all stakeholders  senior government officials, policymakers, academia, industry experts, and journalists to discuss critical international issues as well as exchanging ideas on the subjects of mutual interest. We firmly believe that this event would  not only provide a common platform to all of us present here to deliberate on the common concerns, interests and priorities of our countries,but also exchange ideas and  thoughts, and unite in  one-voice and purpose in forging development solutions.

This event is taking place in the backdrop of the  geo-political  challenges and conflicts in the world which have been causing more stress on global food, fertilizer and energy supply.  The impact of these geopolitical conflicts  has been felt across  Global south including Africa through trade disruptions, commodity price increases,  which have been putting further pressure on national budgets and household finances and are severely affecting the most vulnerable populations in the LDCs and developing countries.  

India’s relationship with the Global South partners especially Malawi has deep roots in shared histories, common struggles against British collonialism, and mutual aspirations for development and self-reliance. As one of the largest democracy in the world and most influential countries in the Global South, India’s role within the Global South is pivotal, leveraging its growing economic power, democratic framework, and strategic geopolitical positioning to advocate for equitable global governance and multi-polar world.  

Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen

In view of the above, High Commission of India in Lilongwe and the UNIMA have chosen the two topics for the India dialogue which are very relevant in the prevailing global scenario as well as for both countries- India and Malawi.

The first topic is India and the Global South- Re-imagining and intermediary power in a fragmented world. 

This  topic would provide an opportunity to discuss India’s emergence as a reliable  partner for  its development partner countries   as well as deliberating on India’s economic and development cooperation with the Global South which  is primarily based on mutual trust and ‘’Develop together as equals’’ spirit. India’s relations with Africa including Malawi  have been further deepened by strong people-to-people connects and robust development partnership which is supported by trade, investment, and development assistance in the form of Line of Credits/soft loans, Grants, capacity building and skill development.     It is worth noting that India has hosted thrice Voice of Global South Summits in 2023 and 2024 with Global south partner countries. Voice of Global South Summit is emerging as a platform for bringing together countries of the Global South for sharing their perspectives and development experiences. These summits  highlighted the need for restoring trust in multilateralism as India always  advocates for equitable representation, sustainable development, and collective security on global platforms. India has been steadfast in its commitment   to share its developmental experience with our sisterly countries in the Global South.  Our Honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modi outlined the four elements for India’s partnership and engagement with Global south including Malawi -Trade for development; Capacity building for sustainable growth; Technology sharing; and,Project specific concessional finance and grants.

Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen

Our development partnerships cover all geographies and diverse sectors. We supplied medicines and vaccines to over 100 countries during the COVID pandemic. India has always stood for greater role of developing countries in determining our common future. When India held G20 Presidency in 2023, it was natural that our aim was to amplify the Voice of the Global South. People of Global South should no longer be excluded from the fruits of development. We  firmly believed that the success of our G20 Presidency is the success of the Global South by securing a permanent membership for the African Union in the G20. To address this geopolitical fragmentation, we urgently need a fundamental reform of the major international organisations, including the United Nations Security Council and the Bretton Woods institutions. These reforms should focus on giving voice to the concerns of the developing world, and reflect the realities of the 21st Century. 

Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen

Second topic  is more in bilateral nature - India@2047 and Malawi@2063 – complimentaries and synergies unleashing through economic potentials 

This theme or topic would provide us an opportunity to deliberate on both country's aspirations and bold visions  to take the countries to next level.  India@2047   represents the Government of India's ambitious vision to transform the nation into a developed country by 2047, coinciding with the centennial of its independence whereas  Malawi@2063 vision reaffirm Government of Malawi’s resolve to be an inclusively wealthy and self-reliant industrialized upper-middle-income country by the year 2063,when Malawi will be at the door to celebrate its 100th anniversary of independence.

Both nations's  forward-looking road-map has a common characteristics focusing on inclusive growth and sustainable development with effective governance.  Furthermore, stimulating economic growth, technological upgradation, infrastructure development, social empowerment, and sustainability are the key elements  of the strategy to achieve the desired goals of India@2047 and Malawi@2063.  Key to this transformation is the active participation of youth, who are seen as both the agents and the recipients of change.  Before achieving this long term goals and visions, both countries have their short term strategic goals as well whereby Malawi has adopted to implementing the Agriculture, Tourism, Mining and manufacturing (ATMM) Strategy which is considered as a catalyst for export-oriented growth in the country.  The ATMM strategy also reflects Malawi’s efforts to revamp its economy and attract investments that can drive sustainable growth to address the ongoing 4Fs plus Pharmaceuticals shortfalls. 

India’s Vision 2030 strategy is an ambitious plan toward an integrated approach to sustainable development and growth to make India a $5 trillion economy in the world. 

I would like to briefly mention about India and Malawi bilateral relations here. Both countries enjoy cordial and friendly relations since the establishment of the diplomatic relations in 1964. Our bilateral relations are strongly supported by the robust people-to-people ties, regular exchange of high level visits and ministerial interactions  from both countries. The visit of the Honourable President of India Smt Droupadi Murmu accompanied by high-level business delegation to Malawi last year October reinvigorated the relations and leaders of the both countries reaffirmed their commitments  to further advance cooperation in the potential areas such as agriculture & food processing, minerals and Mining, engineering goods and farm machinery, renewable energy and pharma and healthcare sectors, digital public infrastructure, etc.        We strongly believe that  there are  complimentaries and synergies exist in agriculture, mining , renewable and pharma, tourism and manufacturing sectors between India and Malawi. These sectors are aligned with Government of Malawi’s   ATMM strategy and Government of India’s Artificial Intelligence and Semiconductor Mission and Energy Transition Mission.  

Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen

Let me conclude my remarks by once again thanking the University of Malawi especially Prof Samson Sajidu and Registrar Mr Martin for extending their great support to the High Commission in organising this meaningful dialogue.  We look forward to a productive discussions and deliberations on the selected two topics. Selection of these topics are timely and relevant  as the world navigates  through complex challenges and situations such as climate change, economic distress, and geopolitical shifts, in this rapidly changing scenario, India’s role as a  trusted partner to the Global South has become important and significant. India  is ready to play a crucial role in shaping the future of the Global South to extend all possible help and assistance to the friendly people of Malawi for achieving  desired goals of Malawi@2063. We can collectively navigate the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.

Thank you. Zikomo kwambiri !