New Delhi: Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, H.E. Mr. Narendra Modi undertook a State visit to the Republic of Rwanda from 23-24th July 2018, at the invitation of the President of the Republic of Rwanda, H.E. Paul Kagame. He was accompanied by a high-level delegation including senior officials of the Government of India. This was the first ever visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Rwanda. This was also the fifth high level interaction between India and Rwanda in one and half years including two visits by President of Rwanda to India, visit by the Vice President of India to Rwanda and recent visit by the President of Senate of Rwanda to India.
Prime Minister held one-on-one talks with H.E. Paul Kagame and chaired the bilateral delegation level talks. During the talks, both leaders reviewed the entire gamut of bilateral cooperation and expressed satisfaction at the excellent relations between Rwanda and India in the overall context of Strategic Partnership. Prime Minister Modi highlighted the fact that Rwanda was the first of the 18 new resident Indian Missions to be opened in Africa in 2018, underlining the importance attached by India to its relations with Rwanda. President Paul Kagame welcomed this development. Prime Minister announced the setting up of a Task Force in the field of digital education including the provision of e-library. This was appreciated by President Kagame in view of the benefits it will bring in the education sector of Rwanda. He recalled the recent visit of President Kagame to India to participate in the Founding Conference of International Solar Alliance in March 2018. Prime Minister Modi appreciated speedy signing and ratification of ISA Treaty by Rwanda. He also expressed admiration for the remarkable growth and transformation of Rwanda under the leadership of President Kagame. Prime Minister Modi complemented President Kagame for the important role played by him as African Union Chair in finalizing the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement that has been signed by 44 countries on 21st March, 2018. He expressed hope that his leadership will guide the African Union in furthering economic integration of the Continent. He indicated India’s willingness to continue to strengthen relations with African Union. President Kagame hosted a banquet where the top leadership of Rwanda and prominent members of the Indian community were present.
Prime Minister interacted with the Indian Community. Prime Minister invited the Indian Diaspora to visit India for the Pravasi Bhartiya Divas to be held in January 2019. Indian community of neighbouring states had also travelled for this interaction with the Prime Minister.
On the second day of his visit, the Prime Minister visited the Gisozi Genocide Memorial and laid a wreath on the memorial of victims of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi. He also visited Rweru Model village outside Kigali in order to support the personal initiative of President Kagame under ‘Girinka programme’, a social protection scheme of ‘one cow-one family’ to uplift the people from poverty and to bring about brotherhood and solidarity. Prime Minister gifted two hundred cows, as a contribution from India to the Scheme under ‘Girinka programme’. He addressed a business event jointly organised by Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce (FICCI) and Rwanda Development Board (RDB).
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi thanked President Mr. Paul Kagame for the warm hospitality extended to him and his delegation during the stay in Rwanda and invited President Kagame to visit India.