India offers credit line and a high commission to Rwanda
has extended USD 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 fastdeveloping 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 partnership and people to people ties.
China on Tuesday said it was willing to work with India in Africa and implement the consensus reached between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping during their recent meetings in Wuhan and Qingdao to explore new modes of cooperation in third countries.
Modi arrived in Rwanda on Monday and agreed $200 million in loans. Xi arrived in Rwanda on Sunday and
The two countries signed agreements on cooperation in the field of defence, trade, agriculture and animal resources.
PM HAILS DIASPORA
Addressing a gathering of the Indian community here, Modi on Monday said Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame had told him about the Indian community’s work in the East African country.
“Wonderful interaction with the Indian diaspora in Rwanda. In every part of the world, the Indian diaspora is distinguishing itself and making us proud of their accomplishments. Rwanda’s Indian community is a very positive signed agreements, including a loan to build two roads.
Both are expected to meet on the sidelines of the BRICS summit. Rwanda signed deals with both India and China earlier this week.
Geng Shuang, spokesperson with the ministry of foreign affairs, said: “We all want to help Africa speed up industrialisation under south-south cooperation. We all want to develop cooperation with Africa... We believe that China and
India are on the same page in this regard.”
KIGALI:India BEIJING:
influence on the India-Rwanda friendship,” Modi tweeted.
MEETING WITH CEOS
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 grow all those who want to go along with us,” 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 open as the key is here,” Modi said.