India bonds with Senegal over clean energy, gifts two e-rickshaws
What's the story
External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj today handed over two e-rickshaws to the Ambassador of Senegal in New Delhi to symbolize the partnership between the two countries in the clean energy sector.
India is supplying 250 e-rickshaws with lithium-ion batteries on grant basis to Senegal, on the request of Senegal President Macky Sall to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a Ministry of External Affairs statement said.
Details
Swaraj and Senegal envoy also took a ride in e-rickshaw
The supply of 250 e-rickshaws is expected to assist Senegal in adopting clean and efficient energy sources in the area of urban public transport.
At the event, Swaraj and Ambassador of Senegal to India, EL Hadji Ibou Boye, also took a ride on an e-rickshaw.
The Ambassador thanked India, saying people of his country will be very happy to receive the vehicles.
First glance
Sall took a liking to e-rickshaws after seeing them here
Expressing gratitude, Boye said he hoped e-rickshaws will gain popularity in Senegal and soon become a common sight on the roads.
The relations between India and Senegal are "long standing and historic" and cooperation between the two has gone from strength to strength over the years, he added.
The Senegal President had taken a liking to the e-rickshaw after seeing them on Indian roads.
Information
E-rickshaws to be manufactured by Goenka Electric Motor Vehicles
Later, during a meeting with Modi, Sall had requested for the supply of the tricycle. Modi happily agreed for the supply of 250 e-rickshaws, to be manufactured by Goenka Electric Motor Vehicles Private Limited, to Senegal, said T S Tirumurti, Secretary (Economic Relations), MEA.
Comment
India, Senegal enjoy warm and close relations, says MEA official
India enjoys very "warm and close relations" with Senegal and over the years the two countries have developed a "very strong" development partnership, MEA official said.
"I hope the clean energy initiative undertaken by India and Senegal will not only transform our public transport system but also make a difference to the lives of the common man and those plying the e-rickshaws," he said.