India extends $15 million grant to Niger for its first African Union summit

India has extended USD 15 million grant to Niger to help them organise the African Union summit which is scheduled to be held in July in Niamey.

New Delhi: In a symbolic gesture India Monday extended grant assistance of USD 15 million to Niger for organising the African Union summit scheduled to take place on July 7.

The grant assistance was handed over to Niger's Deputy Foreign Minister Lamido Ousseini Bala Goga Salamatou in the presence of Minister and Special Advisor to the Niger President Mohammed Saidil Moctar, by Indian Ambassador to that country Rajesh Agarwal at a ceremony held in Niamey.

The support was in response to a specific request by the Government of Niger.

Niger is hosting the AU Summit for the first time. The AU Summit, from July 7-8 in Niamey, is also expected to launch the historic African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

With the help of this grant India will also be establishing Mahatma Gandhi international convention centre in Niamey. This will be built in memory of Mahatma Gandhi whose 150th anniversary is being observed by the world in 2019.

India and Niger relations have expanded significantly since the opening of the Indian Resident Diplomatic Mission in Niamey in 2009.

India has provided Lines of Credit worth USD 96.54 million to Niger for projects in transport, electrification, solar energy, and potable drinking water.