Republic of Malawi and India’s Humanitarian Assistance

Republic of Malawi and India’s Humanitarian Assistance

The Republic of Malawi is a landlocked country in south-eastern Africa, often referred to as the “Warm Heart of Africa” because of its hospitable culture. It is bordered by Tanzania to the north, Zambia to the northwest, and Mozambique on the east, south, and west. The country covers an area of about 118,484 sq. km, and a major geographical feature is Lake Malawi, one of Africa’s largest freshwater lakes. Malawi is a multi-party democratic republic, with a population of over 18 million people, a large proportion of whom are young.

Malawi’s economy is largely agrarian, with agriculture employing a majority of the population and contributing significantly to GDP. Key crops include tobacco (the main export), tea, sugarcane, maize, and pulses. However, the country is among the least developed economies in the world and is highly vulnerable to climate variability such as droughts and floods. Recently, severe El Niño–induced drought conditions triggered food shortages and humanitarian concerns.