Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in Guyana on Wednesday marking the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister in 56 years. The diplomatic bonhomie was palpable as he was received at the airport by Guyana’s President Mohamed Irfaan Ali, accompanied by more than a dozen cabinet ministers. The two leaders embraced and spoke warmly upon Modi’s arrival.
In Georgetown, the Prime Minister was accorded a ceremonial welcome followed by a Guard of Honour. It thus heralded an important diplomatic engagement. Modi will speak to a special session of Guyana’s parliament during his visit and join the 2nd India-CARICOM Summit along with leaders of the Caribbean nations.
Ahead of the visit, the Ministry of External Affairs pitched this tour at the invitation of President Irfaan Ali as a significant one. Ministry Secretary (East) Jaideep Mazumdar underlined the recent rise in high-level exchanges between India and Guyana. He mentioned Guyana President Irfaan Ali as the chief guest at the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in January 2023.
Mazumdar explained the decades-long developmental partnership, which encompasses health, connectivity, and renewable energy. The notable achievements include the delivery of an ocean-going ferry by GRSE last year to this day and the supply of two HAL 228 aircraft under a line of credit this year. Further, nearly 30,000 households of indigenous communities have been provided with solar lighting, and around 800 students from Guyana have availed themselves of the ITEC program.
Prime Minister Modi will have delegation-level talks with President Ali on various avenues of cooperation during his visit. Referring to Guyana being the world’s fastest-growing economy, Mazumdar expressed optimism that future partnerships in diversified sectors would cover hydrocarbons, healthcare, education, and defence.
