Malawi

Why in news?

• India sent 1,000 metric tonnes of rice as part of humanitarian aid to drought-hit Malawi.
• The Southeast African nation has been reeling under dry spells that caused widespread damage to crops and negatively affected food production.
• In March, the government in Malawi declared a state of disaster following drought in 23 of the country’s 28 districts.
• The dry spells have severely crippled the country’s food supplies

Malawi – Geographical Features

• It is a landlocked country inSoutheastern Africa and liesin theSouthernandEastern Hemisphereregions of the Earth.
• Bordering Regions: It is bordered by:
• East:Lake Malawi and Mozambique
• West:Zambia
• =North and northeast:Tanzania
• South:Mozambique
• It was formerly known asNyasaland.

Mountain:The Mulanje Massif, also calledMount Mulanje,is a large inselberg in southern Malawi.

Highest peak: Sapitwa.

An inselberg is a hill or small mountain that rises above a flat or gently sloping plain, appearing like an island rising from the sea.

• Waterfall:Likhubula falls is one of the largest streams in Malawi
• Main rivers
• Western coast:Lufira, Songwe, Rukuru, Dwangwa, Bua, and Linthipe
• Eastern coast:Ruhuhu and Rio Lunho
• The Shire River connects LakesMalawi and Malombe

India-Malawi Relation:

• India and Malawi have a long-standing history of cordial and friendly relations.
• Both countries sharecommon faith in democratic values and pluralism, which makes them natural partners.

Economic Partnership

• India is one of thelargest trade and private investment partners of Malawi.
• Malawian nationals prefer India as a destination for health and education.

Development Partnership Programme

• India has a strong development partnership programme with Malawi.
• Numerous projects have been implemented in Malawi, focusing on areas such as infrastructure, health, water resources, capacity building, and education.

Key Focus Areas of Partnership

Trade and Investment:India serves as a major trade and investment partner for Malawi, fostering economic growth in both countries.

Healthcare and Education:Malawian nationals prefer India for quality healthcare and educational opportunities.

Development Projects:India's development partnership program supports critical projects in Malawi, focusing on key sectors like infrastructure, health, water resources, capacity building, and education.