India has extended $200 million lines of credit to Rwanda for its economic development, signed a defence cooperation agreement and will soon open a High Commission here as part of New Delhi’s efforts to bolster the strategic partnership with the fast-developing East African country.
The announcements came during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Rwanda, the first by an Indian Prime Minister to the country. After his one-on-one talks with Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame, Modi announced that India will soon open its mission in Rwanda.
“We are going to open a High Commission in Rwanda. This will not only establish communication between our respective governments but also enable facilities for consular, passport, visa,” Modi said at a joint press statement.
The proposed opening of the Indian High Commission in Rwanda augurs well for our countries. The bond will deepen and various consular services will also be easily available.
He noted that India and Rwanda relationships have stood the test of time. “It is a matter of honour for us that India has stood with Rwanda in their economic development journey,” Modi said, adding that India will continue to back Rwanda’s development.
Besides one-to-one meeting, the two leaders also participated in delegation-level talks to strengthen partnership in trade and investment, capacity building, development partnership and people to people ties.
The two countries have signed agreements on cooperation in the field of defence, trade, agriculture and animal resources. They also agreed to cooperate in defence capacity building, industry, science and technology.
India has extended two lines of credit -- one of $100 million for development of industrial parks and Kigali special economic zone (SEZ) in Rwanda and another one for $100 million for agriculture.
Held productive discussions with President @PaulKagame.
It is a matter of great joy that India and Rwanda are working together in areas like technology, infrastructure, finance, rural development and technology.
The two sides also signed MoUs on collaboration in the areas of leather and allied sectors, dairy cooperation, agricultural research and education collaborations between Rwanda Agricultural Board and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). They also agreed to facilitate, diversify and promote trade and economic cooperation.
President Kagame in his remarks said that Prime Minister Modi’s visit represents a milestone between the long-standing friendship and cooperation between Rwanda and India.
Modi had arrived in Rwanda yesterday on the first leg of his three-nation Africa tour as part of India’s outreach to the resource-rich continent, soon after Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Kigali. His two-day state visit to Rwanda -- one of Africa’s fastest growing economies -- assumes significance as it could boost India’s strategic ties with this country. - thehindubusinessline.com
