Due to pressure from Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and the general public, President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika has called off his trip to India where he was expected to attend the the third India-Africa Summit.

Presidential Press Officer Gerald Viola has confirmed of the development in an interview with the Press, saying Mutharika will be represented by Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Dr. George Chaponda.

Mutharika was expected to leave the country on Sunday for India where he was expected to be joined by 54 heads of state from Africa and other countries.

On Thursday, Chaponda told the press in Lilongwe that Malawi is looking forward to negotiate for another line of credit that will go towards improving the efficiency of water supply in the country, and also enhance the capacities of the Community Technique Colleges among other important issues.

The Indian-African Forum Summit provides an opportunity for Malawi to enhance trade capacity with the world’s oldest democracy.

The summit will be held under the theme “Partners in Progress: Towards a Dynamic and Transformative Development Agenda.”