PM Modi’s historic three-day state visit to Guyana

Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi concluded his historic three-day state visit to Guyana on Thursday evening.

The visit focused on strengthening bilateral relations between India and Guyana, as well as deepening partnerships between India and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

During his stay, the prime minister immersed himself in Guyana’s rich cultural heritage, visiting historical sites such as the Indian Arrival Monument and was treated to a number of captivating local cultural performances and cuisines.

Upon his arrival on Tuesday evening, PM Modi was conferred with the keys to the city of Georgetown, a symbolic gesture that reflects India’s deep historical and cultural connection to Guyana.

Wednesday saw the co-signing of five Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation in hydrocarbons, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, agriculture, and the development of economic and human capital.

PM Modi also co-chaired the second India-CARICOM Summit alongside President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali and Grenada’s Prime Minister and current CARICOM Chairman, Dickon Mitchell.

The PM outlined a seven-point agenda to bolster development efforts in the region.

The agenda corresponds with the abbreviation ‘CARICOM’, and encompasses an array of sectors, including medicine, renewable energy, sports and culture.

Measures include the expansion of the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation Programme (ITEC) to accommodate an additional 1,000 participants from CARICOM member states over the next five years.

The prime minister also expressed his willingness to supply passenger and cargo ferries to the region. This commitment to tailored cooperation reflects India’s growing influence as a global development partner.

On Wednesday evening, a grand state dinner was held in PM Modi’s honour, during which he was bestowed the Order of Excellence, Guyana’s highest national award.

On Thursday, PM Modi delivered a special address to the National Assembly. He told parliamentarians that now is the time for the countries of the Global South to come together with one voice to correct social and environmental injustices.

The Indian prime minister recognised Guyana’s crucial role in advancing this agenda.

The Honourable Prime Minister’s visit to Guyana was momentous in terms of firming up the enduring partnership between the two nations and opening new avenues for collaboration. It also signifies Guyana’s emergence as a key player in the global diplomatic community.  

Reflecting on his experience in Guyana before his departure on Thursday evening, the prime minister said that “Coming from the mother of democracy, I felt a spiritual connection with one of the most vibrant democracies in the Caribbean region.

“The spirit of hospitality is in the heart of your culture, I felt that deeply, especially with President Irfaan Ali and his grandmother, especially when we planted the tree at State House. It was an emotional moment. Guyana’s unique food tradition, like dhal puri and the seven-curry meal, will remain fond memories of my visit.”

Guyana and India established diplomatic relations on May 26, 1966.

Since then, the link between the two nations has grown into a seamless mesh of economic, technical and cultural cooperation, with Guyana on the receiving end of significant support from the Government of India.