New Delhi, India: India and Rwanda have concluded the inaugural meeting of the Joint Trade Committee (JTC), establishing a structured platform to strengthen trade, investment and sector-specific cooperation while identifying new opportunities across critical minerals, healthcare, manufacturing and digital technologies.
The first session of the India-Rwanda Joint Trade Committee was held in New Delhi on July 30 and 31, bringing together officials from both countries to review bilateral commercial ties and outline a roadmap for deeper economic engagement. The Indian delegation was led by Amit Kumar, Joint Secretary in the Department of Commerce, while Rwanda was represented by Virigile Rwanyagatare, Director General for Asia, Pacific and Middle East Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
The newly formed committee is intended to function as a permanent mechanism for reviewing trade relations, encouraging investment, resolving trade-related challenges and promoting regular business engagement between the two countries.
During the discussions, both sides reviewed the current trade profile and explored ways to diversify the basket of goods and services exchanged. India highlighted opportunities to expand exports of heavy engineering products, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, textiles, refined petroleum products, plastics, marine products, gems and jewellery, sports goods and scientific instruments. Rwanda outlined export potential in tea, coffee, spices, edible oils, minerals and processed agricultural products.
Investment cooperation also featured prominently. Rwanda noted that India ranked as its second-largest foreign investor in 2025 and highlighted opportunities in mining, agro-processing, affordable housing, information and communication technology, manufacturing, healthcare, tourism and financial services. Both countries designated Invest India and the Rwanda Development Board as investment focal points under the JTC framework.
The two governments identified several priority sectors for future collaboration, including critical minerals, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, agriculture and agro-processing, textiles and leather, renewable energy, digital public infrastructure, fintech and cybersecurity. India also offered continued capacity-building support through initiatives such as the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme, the Study in India initiative and the Skill India Mission.
The meeting concluded with the signing of the agreed minutes in New Delhi on July 31. Both countries agreed to hold the second session of the Joint Trade Committee in Rwanda next year on a mutually convenient date through diplomatic channels.
Source: This article is based on an official press release issued by the Press Information Bureau, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India
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