The newly formed Joint Trade Committee (JTC) between India and Rwanda will facilitate increased trade and investment between the two nations. The JTC has already set a priority area for collaboration: digital technology, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and vital minerals. At its inaugural meeting in New Delhi on July 30-31, the India-Rwanda JTC came to an agreement.
The goal of the mechanism is to provide a framework for discussing and resolving logistical issues that both nations’ companies face, as well as for assessing and broadening bilateral commerce and investment opportunities. Yashvir Singh, an assistant secretary in the department of commerce, stated that the JTC would establish a long-term structure to enhance economic cooperation between the two countries.
Current top exports from India to Rwanda are pharmaceuticals, industrial machinery, iron and steel products, two- and three-wheelers, oil meals, and pharmaceuticals. Lead, fragrant oils, copper, precious stones, processed agricultural goods, minerals, and spices are some of Rwanda’s exports to India. A more diverse trade basket and stronger business-to-business engagement are two goals that both parties have committed to pursuing.
Opportunities to increase exports of medical equipment, textiles, marine items, scientific instruments, gems and jewellery, sports goods, and heavy engineering goods were noted by India. Agricultural goods, essential oils, minerals, and precious stones were Rwanda’s top export priorities.
Collaboration on vital minerals was a focus of the meeting. India has shown interest in enhancing cooperation with Rwanda in relation to the country’s tantalum, tungsten, and tin resources. This includes fostering institutional cooperation between Rwanda’s Mines, Petroleum and Gas Board and India’s Geological Survey.
India was named as Rwanda’s second-largest foreign investor in 2025, and the country touted prospects in the mining, manufacturing, healthcare, IT, and financial services industries. As a member of the East African Community, COMESA, and the African Continental Free Trade Area, the African nation positioned itself as a gateway to regional markets.
In order to assess the development of the projects mentioned at the first meeting, the two nations have decided to convene the Joint Trade Committee meeting in Rwanda in 2019.
