Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences, and MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh, today said India is ready to deepen its engagement with Rwanda in emerging technologies, innovation ecosystems and next-generation sectors including AI, biotechnology, and nuclear energy, as the two countries explored a structured framework for bilateral cooperation.

Dr. Jitendra Singh held a bilateral meeting with Ms Paula Ingabire, Minister of ICT and Innovation, Government of Rwanda at Seva Teerth in New Delhi. The Rwandan delegation included Ms Jacqueline Mukangira, High Commissioner of Rwanda to India; Ms Esther Kunda, Director General for Innovation & Emerging Technologies, Ministry of ICT & Innovation; Mr Olivier Twagirayezu, Director, AI Scaling Hub, Rwanda Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR); and Mr Emile Mwepesi, Second Counsellor, Rwanda High Commission, New Delhi.

Recalling the long-standing and cordial ties between the two countries, Dr. Jitendra Singh said India’s engagement with African nations in science and technology has steadily expanded under the India-Africa Forum Summit framework. He appreciated Rwanda’s selection as the first country to implement the Technology Transfer Programme for Africa and referred to the successful India-Rwanda Innovation Growth Programme (IRIGP), which has served as a model for similar collaborations across the continent.

The Minister shared that India today hosts the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem, which has become a major driver of economic growth and employment generation. Over the past decade, India’s performance in innovation and emerging technologies has accelerated significantly, with rapid advances in artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, space applications, and deep-tech research.

He said India now follows an open and collaborative approach, bringing together government institutions, private industry, startups, academia, and international partners. Sensitive and strategic sectors such as space and nuclear energy have also been opened to private participation, expanding opportunities for global cooperation. He referred to India’s recent policy reforms enabling private players in the nuclear sector, including work on small modular reactors (SMRs).

Highlighting India’s strengths in life sciences and biotechnology, Dr. Jitendra Singh spoke about major national initiatives in genomics, gene therapy, and bio-manufacturing. He mentioned the Bio-Manufacturing Shakti Mission announced in the current financial year with an initial allocation of ₹10,000 crore to promote high-quality, cost-effective medical devices, implants, and advanced healthcare solutions.

On the Rwandan side, Minister Paula Ingabire spoke about Rwanda’s efforts to position itself as a Pan-African technology and innovation hub, anchored around initiatives such as Kigali Innovation City and the AI Scaling Hub supported by global partners. She said Rwanda, with nearly 70 percent of its 14 million population below the age of 25, is investing heavily in skills, digital adoption, and innovation-led growth.

The Rwanda delegation conveyed interest in strengthening collaboration in AI, health technologies, life sciences, energy, and innovation ecosystems. Both sides discussed the possibility of connecting Indian innovation hubs, incubators, and startups with their counterparts in Rwanda for mentoring, training, and joint research.

It was also discussed that a draft Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on bilateral cooperation in Science, Technology and Innovation has been shared by Rwanda through the Ministry of External Affairs. The Department of Science and Technology conveyed its preference to first identify specific priority programmes and activities that can be undertaken under the proposed framework, so that the MoU is outcome-oriented and focused.

The High Commissioner of Rwanda to India referred to the growing bilateral engagement, including high-level visits and existing cooperation in defence, education, healthcare, agriculture, and capacity building. Both sides expressed confidence that science, technology, and innovation can become a key pillar of the next phase of India-Rwanda partnership.

The Indian side was represented by Dr. Praveenkumar Somasundaram, Advisor & Head, International Cooperation, DST; Dr. Sulakshana Jain, Scientist ‘F’ and Nodal Officer for India-Rwanda S&T Cooperation, DST; and Mr Swarnendu Singha, Under Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs.

The meeting concluded with an understanding to maintain close coordination through the High Commission and concerned ministries to finalise priority areas and move forward with a structured and time-bound collaboration framework.

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