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India Sends 1,000 Tons of Rice to Sierra Leone for School Meals

India has dispatched 1,000 metric tons of rice to support Sierra Leone's national school midday meal scheme. The donation, announced by the Ministry of External Affairs, underscores India's commitment to enhancing cooperation with Global South nations. This follows a previous shipment of haemodialysis machines and medical equipment sent to Sierra Leone last year. Bilateral relations have strengthened, with trade reaching $298 million in 2023-24 and the opening of an Indian mission in Freetown in 2020.

Key Points: India Donates Rice to Sierra Leone's School Meal Scheme

  • 1,000 tons of rice for school meals
  • Supports Sustainable Development Goals
  • Follows prior medical aid donation
  • Part of growing bilateral trade
  • Reinforces South-South cooperation
2 min read

India sends 1,000 metric tons rice to support Sierra Leone's school midday meal scheme

India sends 1,000 metric tons of rice to support Sierra Leone's school midday meal program, reinforcing Global South partnership.

"Global South partnership in action! - Randhir Jaiswal"

New Delhi, March 24

Spokesperson of the External Affairs Ministry, Randhir Jaiswal, on Tuesday said that India has sent 1,000 metric tons of rice to support Sierra Leone's school midday meal scheme.

In an X post, MEA Spokesperson said that the gesture keeps India's commitment to enhance cooperation with countries in the Global South.

"Global South partnership in action! India has sent 1,000 metric tons of rice today to support Sierra Leone's school midday meal scheme. The gesture is in keeping with India's commitment to enhance cooperation with countries in the Global South and to support the Sustainable Development Goals," he said.

Last year in October, India dispatched a consignment of 15 Haemo-Dialysis Machines, along with Portable RO Units and Consumable Kits, from Mundra Port to Sierra Leone.

Randhir Jaiswal said that the act underscores India's commitment to improving public health in Sierra Leone.

In a post on X, he said, "A gesture of solidarity and South-South Cooperation: India has dispatched a consignment of 15 Haemo-Dialysis Machines, along with Portable RO Units and Consumable Kits, from Mundra Port to Sierra Leone. This humanitarian assistance underscores India's commitment to strengthening healthcare infrastructure and improving public health outcomes in Sierra Leone."

According to MEA, last year, both nations held the second round of Foreign Office Consultations (FOC), undertaking a comprehensive review of the entire range of India-Sierra Leone bilateral relations encompassing key areas of bilateral cooperation, including trade, investment, health and pharmaceuticals, education and people-to-people exchanges.

India had pledged to continue supporting Sierra Leone in capacity building in various fields and building the development partnership further.

India and Sierra Leone share friendly relations. There have been regular visits from both sides. The opening of India's Resident Mission in Freetown in 2020 has increased both countries' engagements. The India-Sierra Leone bilateral trade has registered USD 298 million during 2023-24, increased by three-fold growth in the last decade.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul R
While I appreciate the gesture of goodwill, I hope this aid is part of a well-structured plan. We must ensure our own food security and farmer welfare are not compromised when making such large-scale donations. The intent is noble, but execution matters.
A
Aman W
Great move! This is true Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world is one family). Helping with dialysis machines last year and now with food security. It builds strong diplomatic ties and shows India as a responsible global player, not just a regional power.
S
Sarah B
As someone who has worked in development, this is smart diplomacy. The midday meal scheme is a proven success story in India. Sharing this expertise and resources creates immense goodwill. The trade numbers growing three-fold show it's a mutually beneficial relationship.
K
Karthik V
Proud moment! From being a recipient of aid to becoming a key donor nation. This is the New India we talk about. The focus on health and education support is spot on. Hope our African brothers and sisters benefit greatly. Jai Hind!
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Nisha Z
This is good, but I wish the article gave more details. Is this a one-time gift or part of a sustained program? How will the rice be distributed on the ground? Transparency in such initiatives is key to their long-term success and public trust.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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