Held in New Delhi on Monday, July 6, the event brought together nearly 1,000 guests, including Indian government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, business leaders, scholars, media professionals, civil society representatives, friends of Rwanda and members of the Rwandan community in India.
The celebration highlighted Rwanda's progress since the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, showcasing the country's achievements in peacebuilding, national reconciliation, economic growth, good governance and sustainable development.
Kwibohora, celebrated every year on July 4, commemorates Rwanda's liberation and marks the day the Rwanda Patriotic Army (RPA), led by President Paul Kagame, stopped the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. It reflects Rwanda's journey of rebuilding through unity, resilience and a shared vision for development.
Addressing guests, Rwanda's High Commissioner to India, Amb. Jacqueline Mukangira, paid tribute to the men and women of the former RPA whose sacrifices restored peace, unity and national dignity.
She said the liberation victory marked a defining moment in restoring Rwanda's sovereignty and laying the foundation for national reconstruction.
Mukangira reflected on Rwanda's transformation from a country devastated by genocide to one recognised for stability, economic progress and effective governance.
She attributed the country's achievements to the values of unity, resilience, inclusion, innovation and accountable leadership, saying three decades of peace, stability and good governance have created a predictable and investor-friendly environment.
The High Commissioner called on Indian investors to explore opportunities created by Rwanda's transformation, highlighting potential areas of cooperation including trade, investment, technology, education, healthcare and capacity building.
She also expressed appreciation for India's continued partnership with Rwanda, noting that bilateral relations have expanded in areas such as ICT, trade, investment, education and defence.
'Rwanda remains committed to strengthening partnerships anchored in peace, justice and shared prosperity,' she said.
India's Minister of State for External Affairs and Textiles, Shri Pabitra Margherita, attended the event as the chief guest and congratulated Rwanda on the Liberation Day anniversary.
He commended Rwanda's reconciliation efforts following the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and praised the growing partnership between the two countries.
Also attending the celebration was a delegation from Rwanda's Ministry of Defence, which was in New Delhi for the second Rwanda-India Joint Defence Cooperation Committee meeting.
The event also featured remarks from Indian investors and friends of Rwanda, including Dr Saurabh Singhal, Head of the Rwanda Chapter of The Diplomatic Club, who highlighted Rwanda's growing appeal as an investment and innovation hub.
Singhal shared his experience of witnessing Rwanda's transformation since his first visit in 2005 and praised the country's safety, governance, digital systems and investor-friendly environment.
He described Rwanda as 'not only the Land of a Thousand Hills but also the Land of a Thousand Opportunities,' encouraging businesses to explore opportunities in the country.
The evening concluded with cultural performances celebrating Rwanda's heritage and reaffirming the friendship between Rwanda and India as both countries continue to strengthen cooperation for shared development and prosperity.
