India offers Rwanda a high commission, $200mn credit line

BONDING Modi becomes first Indian prime minister to visit country

KIGALI: India has extended $200 million lines of credit to Rwanda for its economic development, si- gned a defence cooperation agr- eement 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 in a joint press statement. 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. The two leaders also participated in delegation level talks to strengthen partnership in trade and investment, capacity building, development and people-to-people ties.

The two countries signed agreements on cooperation in the field of defence, trade, agriculture and animal resources.

Modi also visited the Genocide Memorial Centre, which honours over 250,000 victims of the country’s mass killings in 1994. “…The genocide in Rwanda was a grim reminder of the worst aspects of humanity.

Rwanda’s response, as a nation, to this tragedy has been one of restraint, reconciliation and peace,” the PM wrote in the guest book of the memorial.

PM HAILS DIASPORA

Meeting the Indian community here, Modi on Monday said Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame had told him about the community’s work in the country. “Wonderful interaction with the Indian diaspora in Rwanda. In every part of the world, the In- dian diaspora is distinguishing itself and making us proud of th- eir accomplishments. Rwanda’s Indian community is a very positive influence on the India-rw- anda friendship,” Modi tweeted.

KEY TO AFRICA

In a meeting with CEOS from India and Rwanda, Modi said that though India is developing at a fast pace, “our motto is Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas”. “We should

grow and we should be able to help all grow...,” said Modi.

“I would like to tell the Indian business delegation which has come here along with me that you have not only come to Rwanda. Today, coming to Rwanda means you get all the doors of Africa op- en as the key is here,” Modi said.

AID FOR UGANDA

KAMPALA: India on Tuesday extended two lines of credit worth nearly $200 million to Uganda in energy infrastructure, agriculture and dairy sectors as Prime Minister Narendra Modi held wide-ranging talks with President Yoweri Museveni.

Modi, who arrived on a twoday visit to Uganda on Tuesday, held one-on-one meeting with President Museveni, which was followed by a delegation-level talks to comprehensively review all aspects of bilateral relations.