UNIMA hosts Indian High Commission for strategic “India Dialogue” on global partnerships

In an effort to strengthen the University of Malawi’s global reach, the institution has been hosting officials from various nations. Most recently, UNIMA hosted officials from the High Commission of India for an “India Dialogue.” The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Samson Sajidu, welcomed the delegation from the High Commission of India, which was led by the High Commissioner of India to Malawi, H.E. Mr Amararam Gujar.

The Dialogue was also graced by the Guest of Honour, the Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr Bright Molande. In attendance were other UNIMA officials, as well as the Mayor, Deputy Mayor, and Chief Executive Officer of the Zomba City Council.

The India Dialogue, held at the Great Hall on 5th December 2025, aimed to bring together key stakeholders, including senior government officials, policymakers, academia, industry experts, and journalists, to discuss critical international issues and to exchange ideas on matters of mutual interest.

In his remarks, Professor Sajidu noted that when people speak about Malawi’s history and development, India naturally forms part of that story. He further stated that the friendship between the two countries dates back to the pre-independence era, with India having inspired many nations, including Malawi, in its struggle against colonialism.

He also referred to the Memorandum of Understanding with the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), highlighting various activities outlined within the MoU, including student exchange programmes. Such initiatives, he explained, would enable UNIMA students to study in India with credit transfer upon their return, while Indian students would likewise benefit from studying at UNIMA across its diverse academic programmes. He added that staff members from institutions in both countries would also participate in exchange programmes, attend conferences, and undertake relevant courses.

Professor Sajidu further highlighted some of the challenges faced by public universities in developing countries, including resource limitations. “To enhance teaching and learning, we need electronic devices such as laptops for students and staff, as well as laboratory equipment and textbooks to strengthen our academic programmes,” he said. He also noted that the University has available land and would greatly appreciate support in expanding learning and teaching spaces to accommodate the growing student population.

In his remarks, the High Commissioner, Mr Gujar, stated that he firmly believed the event would not only provide a common platform for attendees to deliberate on shared concerns, interests, and priorities of both countries, but also allow them to exchange ideas and forge unified solutions for development.

His presentation focused on two key topics for the India Dialogue, both highly relevant in the current global context and to India and Malawi. The first topic, “India and the Global South: Re-imagining an Intermediary Power in a Fragmented World”, highlighted India’s emergence as a reliable partner for its development partners, and emphasized India’s economic and development cooperation with the Global South. The second topic centred on bilateral cooperation, providing an opportunity to deliberate on the aspirations and bold visions of both countries in advancing their developmental goals.

He went on to mention various projects currently being implemented by India, including scholarship initiatives. “India is ready to play a crucial role in shaping the future of the Global South and to extend all possible help and assistance to the friendly people of Malawi in achieving the goals of Malawi 2063,” he added.

The Dialogue also featured panel discussions involving UNIMA staff members and a representative from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Professor Thekiso Molokwane.