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.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Guyanese President Mohamed Irfaan Ali also conducted comprehensive discussions to enhance relations across multiple sectors strengthening bilateral ties.
PM Modi also highlighted that Guyana would be instrumental in India’s energy security, announcing plans to establish a framework for long-term collaboration in this sector.
The visit marked a significant development in diplomatic relations, being the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Guyana in 56 years.
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.
“The welcome in Guyana will remain etched in my memory. I was delighted to meet you, PM Dickon Mitchell of Grenada, PM @miaamormottley of Barbados and the respected Cabinet Ministers of Guyana,” Modi shared on X.
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.
“This meeting underscored the strengthening bonds between India and the Caribbean, built on shared values and a vision for mutual progress,” he posted on X.
PM Modi and Ali also took part in the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ (a tree for Mother) movement and planted a tree.
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.
The MEA reports approximately 3,20,000 people of Indian origin residing in Guyana.
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.