Rwanda and India have signed a cultural cooperation agreement as part of ongoing efforts to deepen bilateral collaboration across multiple sectors.
The agreement was concluded during the second joint commission meeting between the two countries, held in New Delhi. The Rwandan delegation was led by Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Olivier Nduhungirehe, while the Indian side was headed by Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh.
During the meeting, both sides reviewed cooperation in areas including defense, agriculture, trade and investment. Discussions also covered education, science and technology, culture, and people-to-people exchanges.
The new cultural agreement commits both nations to promote shared cultural initiatives through 2030, aiming to strengthen understanding and collaboration between their populations.
Minister Singh noted that, beyond bilateral cooperation, the meeting provided an opportunity to exchange perspectives on global and regional developments affecting the interests of Rwanda and India.
Rwanda-India relations have grown steadily in recent years. Rwanda was among the first African countries where India opened a diplomatic mission as part of its plan to establish 18 new offices across Africa to enhance engagement with the continent.
Indian investment in Rwanda has also increased significantly. According to the Rwanda Development Board, India ranked second among foreign investors in the country in 2024, following China. Chinese investment amounted to $460 million (14.1% of total inflows), while Indian investment reached $445.1 million (13.6%).
The agreement and ongoing cooperation signal a deepening of economic, cultural, and diplomatic ties between the two nations, with both countries committed to expanding collaboration across multiple sectors in the coming years.