Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a gathering of Indian community members in Rwanda on Monday and said that the Indian diaspora is making a mark all over the world and they are the country’s “rashtradoots (ambassadors)”.
“I am delighted to interact with the Indian community in Rwanda. President @PaulKagame said to me that the Indian community is contributing to Rwanda’s progress and they are also doing lot of community service. I was happy to hear this,” said PM Modi adding that “All over the world, the Indian diaspora is making a mark. They are our ‘Rashtradoots’.”
Wonderful interaction with the Indian diaspora in Rwanda.
In every part of the 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 influence on the India-Rwanda friendship. pic.twitter.com/6b2wd1eEQ0
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 23, 2018
PM Modi, who is on a two-day visit to Rwanda — one of Africa’s fastest growing economies, is the first Indian prime minister to visit the country.
“For years the Indian community in Rwanda wanted a High Commission. This long pending demand will be fulfilled and you will be connected even further with India,” he told the gathering.
Earlier, Modi held wide-ranging talks with President Paul Kagame and discussed measures to boost the bilateral strategic ties by strengthening cooperation in defence, trade and agriculture sectors.
PM Modi took to Twitter after the meeting and wrote that the he had productive discussions with President Kagame.
“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.
Today’s talks will further boost ties in these sectors,” PM Modi wrote on Twitter.
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.
Today’s talks will further boost ties in these sectors. pic.twitter.com/Uq6s6XLOal
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 23, 2018
India has extended lines of credit (LoCs) worth $200 million to Rwanda as PM Modi announced that the first Indian diplomatic mission will be opened in the East African nation.
India and Rwanda signed an agreement of $100 million for development of industrial parks and expansion of Special Economic Zones, and a similar amount for an agriculture irrigation scheme in that African nation, following delegation-level talks between Modi and President Kagame Kigali.
(With agency inputs)