India, Rwanda Commit to Expanding Bilateral Trade and Strengthening Business-to-Business Engagement

India and Rwanda Identify Priority Sectors for Cooperation in Critical Minerals, Healthcare and Digital Technologies

The First Session of the India–Rwanda Joint Trade Committee (JTC) was held in New Delhi on 30 and 31 July 2026. The Indian delegation was led by Joint Secretary, Department of Commerce, Shri Amit Kumar, while the Rwandan delegation was led by Director General, Asia, Pacific and Middle East Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Republic of Rwanda, Mr. Virgile Rwanyagatare.

Delivering the inaugural address, Additional Secretary, Department of Commerce, Shri Yashvir Singh, said the inaugural Session establishes a permanent, structured and periodic apex mechanism to review bilateral commerce, diversify the trade basket, expand two-way investment and address logistical impediments.

Both sides reviewed the current state of bilateral trade in goods and services. 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.

Both sides agreed to make concerted efforts to diversify the bilateral trade basket, facilitate business-to-business engagement and address market access issues.

India highlighted the potential to expand exports of heavy engineering goods, pharmaceuticals and medical devices, refined petroleum products, textiles, marine products, plastics, sports goods and toys, gems and jewellery,

and scientific instruments. It was noted that India remains Rwanda's largest source of pharmaceutical imports, accounting for about 24.5 per cent of the country's pharmaceutical imports. Rwanda identified chillies, macadamia, French beans, avocados, essential oils, tea, coffee, other horticultural products,

minerals and precious stones as priority exports to India. The two sides also discussed cooperation on harmonisation of standards, including capacity building between the Bureau of Indian Standards and the Rwanda Standards Board.