During a two-day state visit to Rwanda, Narendra Modi donated 200 cows to the East African country as a symbol of friendship between two countries, reports AFP.
The Indian prime minister donated the cows—considered sacred in India -- to the poor villagers of Rweru model village.
Modi’s visit to Rwanda is a historic one, since it is the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister. Modi donated the cows under a Rwandan government scheme called “Girinka” (one cow per family).
"I got a glimpse of rural life in Rwanda during the memorable visit to Rweru model village. I thank President Paul Kagame for accompanying me," he told AFP.
The Girinka scheme, which Modi said "is helping transform the lives of people across rural Rwanda", has been celebrated for helping to reduce poverty by almost a quarter between 2000 and 2010.
Modi and Rwandan President Kagame also announced a series of deals including a $200 million Indian loan that will be used to develop Rwanda's irrigation schemes and expand the Kigali Special Economic Zone.
Modi arrived in Rwanda on July 23 and left for Uganda on July 25, to attend the 10th Brics summit.
