Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on his first visit to Guyana, expressed India’s commitment to expanding partnerships with Caribbean nations. During his visit, Modi engaged with CARICOM leaders, focusing on strengthening cooperation in various sectors including economy, agriculture, and healthcare. He also highlighted the historical ties between India and Guyana, acknowledging the significant Indian diaspora in the country.
NEW DELHI: India and Guyana on Wednesday signed five agreements covering cooperation in hydrocarbons, healthcare, culture and agriculture during PM Modi’s visit to Guyana.
Modi arrived from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, following his participation in the G20 summit.
India’s discussed plans to increase exports in this sector and the defence cooperation between the nations.
Earlier, Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali, along with counterpart Mark Anthony Phillips and cabinet ministers, welcomed Modi at the airport and he was later joined by the Prime Ministers of Grenada, Dickon Mitchell, and Barbados, Mia Amor Mottley at the hotel.
Additionally, PM Modi was handed over the ‘Key to the City of Georgetown’, symbolising strong India-Guyana relations.
Guyana’s President Irfan Ali praised PM Modi, calling him a ‘champion among leaders’ for his impactful leadership and contribution to the developing world.
“Thank you very much Prime Minister Modi. It is our greatest honor to have you here. You are a champion among leaders. You have led incredibly. You have shown light to the developing world and you have created development metrics and framework that many are adopting in their own country. And much of it are relevant to us here in Guyana,” said Ali.
PM Modi’s schedule includes strategic discussions with Ali and an address to Guyana’s parliament, acknowledging the historical Indian diaspora that migrated over 185 years ago.
Modi arrived from Brazil’s G20 Summit, where he met with global leaders including US President Joe Biden, French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Previously, he visited Nigeria for bilateral talks with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and diaspora engagement.
