Prime Minister Narendra Modi today held delegation-level talks with the President of Guyana, Dr. Mohammed Irfaan Ali, at Georgetown this evening. Five agreements were also signed following the talks between the two leaders. This includes cooperation in the field of medical product regulation, the hydrocarbon sector, bilateral cooperation in agriculture and allied sectors, and UPI facilities.
In a joint statement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that India and Guyana agree that dialogue and diplomacy should be used to resolve all issues. He said both countries are unanimous that reform of global institutions is the need of the hour. Mr. Modi said climate justice is a shared priority for both nations, and they will continue to strive for progress in all areas.
Prime Minister Modi said the close cooperation in the field of defence between the two nations is a symbol of deep mutual trust. He informed me that last year, India had supplied two Dornier aircraft to Guyana. Mr. Modi highlighted that India is an important source of pharmaceutical products for Guyana, and India will also work on setting up Jan Aushadhi Kendras in that country.
Prime Minister Modi noted that Guyana is associated with various initiatives taken by India, such as the International Solar Alliance, the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, and the Global Bio-fuel Alliance. He said these collaborations will help both nations strengthen their efforts towards a green and sustainable future globally.
The President of Guyana, Dr. Mohammed Irfaan Ali, said the discussion held with the Prime Minister Narendra Modi was not only fruitful but also reinforced their shared commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and collaboratively addressing regional and global concerns. He said Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Guyana represents a significant milestone in enhancing cooperation between the two countries.
Earlier, Mr. Modi was accorded a ceremonial guard of honour at State House in Georgetown. Prime Minister Modi reached Guyana this morning on a three-day visit to the country. In an unprecedented gesture, he was received at the airport by President Dr. Mohammed Irfaan Ali, Prime Minister Mark Anthony Phillips, and over a dozen Cabinet ministers. Akashvani correspondent reports that this is the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Guyana in 56 years.
India has a long-standing developmental partnership with Guyana in the fields of health, connectivity, renewable power, and water. The total trade between the two countries in 2023–24 was around 106 million US dollars. During his visit, Prime Minister Modi will participate in the Second CARICOM-India Summit in Georgetown. He will also hold meetings with leaders of CARICOM member countries to further enhance India’s long-standing friendship with the region. Tomorrow, the Prime Minister will address the Parliament of Guyana. Mr. Modi will also interact with prominent cricketers of Guyana and the Caribbean region. The Prime Minister is also scheduled to address a gathering of the Indian diaspora.
During the visit, Guyana will confer its highest national award, “The Order of Excellence,” on Prime Minister Modi. Barbados will also confer the prestigious Honorary Order of Freedom of Barbados on the Prime Minister. A few days back, Dominica had also announced its highest national award, the Dominica Award of Honour,” to Mr. Modi.
