Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Guyana, the first by an Indian head of government after 56 years, yielded nearly a dozen agreements in diverse sectors.
He was also honoured with Guyana’s highest national award.
Ten Agreements In Key Areas
India and Guyana signed ten agreements to cooperate in diverse areas during Modi’s State visit.
The agreements signed between the two sides will facilitate cooperation in hydrocarbons, agriculture, medicines, digital payment systems, culture and digital transformation.
The cooperation includes sourcing of crude, collaboration in natural gas, development of infrastructure, capacity building and sharing expertise in the entire hydrocarbon value chain.
An MoU was also signed between the National Defence Institute, Guyana and Rashtriya Raksha University, Gujarat.
The agreement aims to enhance research, education, and training in national security and defence studies.
Modi Calls His Guyana Visit A Significant Milestone
Addressing the Press meeting with President Irfaan Ali of Guyana, PM Modi said, “It is a significant milestone that an Indian PM has come here after 56 years.”
He said that India and Guyana reaffirmed their commitment to resolving issues through dialogue and diplomacy.
President Mohammed Irfaan Ali who is of Indian descent, welcomed Prime Minister Modi at the State guesthouse in Georgetown.
A Ceremonial Guard Of Honour
Modi received a ceremonial guard of honour.
He also received the ‘Key to the city of Georgetown’ during his state visit to Guyana.
“I am also humbled to have received a ‘Key to the City of Georgetown’ by the Mayor of Georgetown,” Modi said.
Modi Conferred With Guyana’s Highest National Award
PM Modi was also honoured with the ‘Order of Excellence’ – Guyana’s highest national award, in a ceremony at the State House.
The award is a recognition of his visionary leadership, championing the rights of developing countries on the global stage, exceptional service to the global community and commitment to strengthening India-Guyana relations.
He is the fourth foreign leader to be conferred with this award.
The President of Guyana called Modi a champion among leaders who has shown light to the developing world.
Modi who is on the last leg of his three-nation visit, was conferred the “Dominica Award of Honour” by President Sylvanie Burton of Dominica during the India-CARICOM Summit in Guyana.
Second India-CARICOM Summit
The Indian Prime Minister also co-chaired the 2nd India-CARICOM Summit, along with PM Dickon Mitchell of Grenada, the current chair of CARICOM.
Modi’s Personal Connection With Guyana
Notably, Modi has a personal connection with Guyana.
He said that he had an opportunity to visit Guyana 24 years ago.”Today, I am fortunate to come here as a Prime Minister.”
President Ali’s Special Link With India
Modi said that President Ali’s “special relationship with India inspired us to take our cooperation to a new level.”
Both President Irfaan Ali and Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo are of Indian descent.
Dr Ali takes pride in his direct link with India which he has traced back to his great-great grandfather.
President Ali, Guyana’s tenth President was the Chief Guest at India’s Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas in 2023.
Indian-Origin Community in Guyana
Guyana’s Indian-origin community, constitutes more than 40% of its population and is a bridge between the two countries.
The largest ethnic group is the Indo-Guyanese (also known as East Indians).
According to the 2002 census, they make up 43.5% of the population.
The older generation of this community speaks Guyanese-Hindustani.
They are the descendants of indentured labourers from India.
Why Guyana Is Important For India?
Analysts say that Guyana may be a small country in South America but it is not insignificant.
Guyana has emerged as one of the world’s newest energy powers.
India depends heavily on foreign energy sources and imports 80 per cent of its crude oil.
In order to diversify its energy sources, it makes perfect sense to deepen engagement with Guyana.
Earlier this year, India and Guyana had signed an agreement for cooperation in hydrocarbons.
This agreement covers crude oil sourcing, exploration, and refining.
Guyana’s Future Role In India’s Energy Security
In his media statement, Modi said Guyana will play an important role in India’s energy security.
He said that a blueprint for long-term partnership in the sector will be prepared.
Defence Collaboration
India has also stepped up defence collaboration with Guyana.
Under the ITEC scheme, India delivered two Dornier-228 aircraft to the Guyana Defence Force and has trained its defense personnel.
In a nutshell, Guyana has a population of just 800,000. It has a GDP of $15 billion.
Vast Oil Reserves
It commands a lot of importance because if its vast oil reserves.
PM Thanks The Indian Community
In a post on X, Modi thanked the Indian community in Guyana for their warm and spirited welcome.
“They have shown that distance is never a barrier to staying connected to one’s roots.”
He added, “Glad to see the community making a mark here across different sectors
‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’
The Prime Minister also acknowleged Dr Ali’s very special gesture of taking part in the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ (a tree for Mother) movement by planting a tree with his grandmother and mother-in-law.
‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ is a special nationwide tree plantation campaign.
It was launched this year on the World Environment Day this on June 5.
