The inaugural session of the India–Rwanda Joint Trade Committee concludes in New Delhi on July 31, 2026, with both sides committing to diversify trade, deepen investment ties and cooperate on critical minerals, healthcare and digital technologies.
The First Session of the India–Rwanda Joint Trade Committee (JTC) was held in New Delhi on July 30 and 31, 2026. The Indian delegation was led by Joint Secretary, Department of Commerce, Amit Kumar, while the Rwandan delegation was led by Virgile Rwanyagatare, Director General for Asia, Pacific and Middle East Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Republic of Rwanda. Additional Secretary, Department of Commerce, Yashvir Singh, delivered the inaugural address, describing the session as establishing a permanent, structured and periodic apex mechanism to review bilateral commerce, diversify the trade basket, expand two-way investment and address logistical impediments. India’s principal exports to Rwanda include drug formulations and biologicals, two- and three-wheelers, industrial and electrical machinery, oil meals and iron and steel products, while Rwanda’s exports to India comprise lead, spices, essential oils, copper, precious and semi-precious stones, processed agricultural products and minerals. India remains Rwanda’s largest source of pharmaceutical imports, accounting for approximately 24.5% of Rwanda’s total pharmaceutical imports. Rwanda noted that India is its second-largest foreign investor as of 2025 and highlighted opportunities in mining, agro-processing, affordable housing, ICT, manufacturing, healthcare, tourism and financial services. Rwanda also highlighted its strategic location as a gateway to the East African Community (EAC), the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Both sides identified several priority areas for sectoral cooperation. In critical minerals, India expressed interest in strengthening collaboration on Rwanda’s tin, tungsten and tantalum resources, including institutional cooperation between the Geological Survey of India and the Rwanda Mines, Petroleum and Gas Board. In pharmaceuticals and healthcare, both sides noted that a Memorandum of Understanding between the health authorities of the two countries is at an advanced stage of finalisation. India proposed recognition of the Indian Pharmacopoeia and expanded cooperation in traditional medicine. Discussions also covered agriculture and agro-processing including market access for avocados, textiles and leather, green mobility, digital public infrastructure, fintech, cybersecurity and renewable energy. Both sides designated Invest India and the Rwanda Development Board as investment focal points under the JTC framework. Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal emphasised the need for close monitoring and time-bound implementation of the outcomes recorded in the Agreed Minutes, which were signed in New Delhi on July 31, 2026. Both sides agreed to hold the Second Session of the India–Rwanda JTC in Rwanda after one year.
Source: Press Information Bureau (PIB)
