The Indian government has sent humanitarian assistance to Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe to address the food deficit which has occurred due to the severe drought caused by El Nino phenomenon.

"Shipments of food grains were despatched from the Nhava Sheva port for Malawi (1000 MT Rice); Zambia (first tranche of 1300 MT Maize of the scheduled 2500 MT Maize) and Zimbabwe (1000 MT Rice) to help in their food security and management efforts," read a statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs.

This assistance embodies India's principle of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbkam', the spirit of South-South Cooperation and our unwavering commitment towards Africa as outlined by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

India stands ready to provide assistance to all friendly countries in their hour of need and further cement our longstanding and close ties.