President Droupadi Murmu arrived in Malawi on Thursday, marking the second leg of her landmark three-nation tour of Africa. She was greeted with a ceremonial welcome by Malawi’s Vice President Dr. Michael Usi, underscoring the significance of the first-ever state visit from India to the southern African nation.

The Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, shared the news on X, saying, “President Droupadi Murmu arrived in Lilongwe, Malawi today. She was warmly received by Vice President Dr. Michael Usi and accorded a ceremonial welcome.”

President Murmu’s visit comes at the invitation of Malawi’s President and includes several key engagements. She will hold a one-on-one meeting with the Malawian President, address a business event, and meet with the Indian diaspora, highlighting the importance of economic and cultural ties between the two nations.

During the visit, India and Malawi will sign three Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) focused on youth affairs, sports, and cultural exchange, reinforcing the commitment to bilateral cooperation. President Murmu is scheduled to depart for India on October 19, concluding this historic leg of her African tour.

Earlier, the President was in Mauritania, where she held discussions with President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani at the Presidential Palace in Nouakchott. The talks emphasized strengthening diplomatic ties, resulting in the signing of four MoUs related to diplomats’ training, cultural exchange, visa exemption, and Foreign Office consultations.

In a post on X, the Ministry of External Affairs highlighted the two countries’ collaboration across sectors including health, education, trade, and capacity building, along with cultural and people-to-people ties.

Addressing the Indian community in Mauritania, President Murmu spoke about India’s vision for the future: “India is moving towards the goal of ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047, and our diaspora family plays a vital role in achieving this ambition,” she said.

(Inputs from ANI)