Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday became the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Guyana in 56 years. He was greeted by a ceremonial welcome and a Guard of Honour as he arrived at Georgetown.
In an unprecedented move, Guyana President Mohamed Irfaan Ali welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the airport. The two leaders shared a warm embrace, followed by dignitaries presenting a floral bouquet to PM Modi.
PM Modi will hold bilateral talks. President Mohamed Irfaan Ali is slated to address Guyana’s special parliament session.
PM Modi will also co-chair the second India-CARICOM meeting with the Prime Minister of Grenada. CARICOM, the Caribbean Community, works to enhance economic cooperation and integration in the region. There are 21 countries, of which 15 are Member States and six are Associate Members.
Ahead of his visit, PM Modi, in a statement, said that he will be paying respect to one of the oldest Indian communities, who migrated to Guyana more than 185 years ago. “We will exchange views on giving strategic direction to our unique relationship, which is based on shared heritage, culture, and values,” he said.
The visit aims to strengthen ties between India and Guyana and explore regional partnerships.
India and Guyana share a longstanding developmental partnership across various sectors, including health, connectivity, renewable energy, and defense. Recent initiatives include the delivery of an ocean-going ferry built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers, the provision of two HAL 228 aircraft under a line of credit, solar lighting for 30,000 indigenous households, and the training of 800 Guyanese professionals in India under the ITEC program.
Guyana, identified as the world’s fastest-growing economy, presents opportunities for collaboration in hydrocarbons, healthcare, education, and defense.
In his visit, PM Modi will engage in delegation-level talks with President Ali to explore these possibilities and enhance bilateral cooperation.
The MEA official further said that Guyana is the fastest-growing economy in the world and asserted that India in future will get the opportunity to partner with them in various fields. “It is the fastest-growing economy in the world, and we will have opportunities for partnering with them in diverse fields,” Mazumdar said. (ANI)
India and Guyana collaborate through a bilateral joint commission, last held in 2008, and periodic foreign office consultations, the most recent in 2011. Cultural exchanges and a joint business council, established between the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) and the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GCCI), further strengthen their ties.