India has pledged a grant of 10 million dollars towards socio-economic development of South Sudan. Minister of State for External Affairs E Ahmed visited South Sudan and assured the political leaders that India stands committed in development in all sectors and would take certain core sectors on a priority basis such as health, education, agriculture and rural development. Mr.Ahmed paid a four-day visit to Sudan from 12th to 15th of this month leading a multi-disciplinary official delegation comprising representatives from the Ministries of Petroleum & Natural Gas, Education, Health and Agriculture. Mr Ahmed is the first Indian Minister to visit Juba, capital city of South Sudan. The focus of the visit to South Sudan was to establish contact with the leadership, prior to their proclamation as an independent State on 9th of next month. Mr Ahamed met Sudan President Omar Al-Bashir, Sudanese Foreign Minister Ali Ahmed Karti and MOS for Petroleum Ali Ahamed Osman. Mr Ahmed interacted with the cross section of the Indian community at a reception organized by them and discussed issues related to their welfare.