Members of the Indian community living in Rwanda yesterday gathered at Vision 2020 Estate in Gaculiro, Kigali for a flag raising ceremony as they celebrated the 68th anniversary of India’s Independence Day. The day is marked on August 15 every year.

The event, organised by the Indian Association of Rwanda, attracted about 600 of the estimated 2,000 Indians living in the country.

Mohammed Salim, the chairperson of the association, hoisted the Indian flag and later addressed the gathering.

He commended the Rwandan government for the conducive and friendly environment availed to Indians in the country, adding that the community was happy to be part of the country’s development agenda.

"We are residing in a country which promotes and advocates for peace, zero tolerance to corruption, and which guarantees security for every resident,” Salim said.

Indians living in Rwanda are involved in businesses in the manufacturing, financial, energy, education, construction, infrastructure, ICT, telecommunication and agricultural, among other sectors.

Salim urged Indian businesses to share skills with Rwandans in order to contribute to national development.

Relations between Rwanda and India continue to grow stronger. 

An Indian firm Angelique International, recently completed the construction of 28MW Nyabarongo hydropower plant.

"We are proud of it as it is a project fully funded by the Indian government,” Salim said.

Opening embassy

Salim said they have requested their government to open an embassy in Kigali to facilitate not only the nationals but also help Rwandans who want to travel to India.

Currently, there is only a consular office in Rwanda while all diplomatic services are offered at the Indian High Commission in Kampala.