PM Modi Receives Historic Welcome In Guyana, First Indian PM Visit In 56 Years

Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a warm and historic welcome from Guyana’s President Mohamed Irfaan Ali upon his arrival in Georgetown on Tuesday, marking the final leg of his three-nation tour.

This visit holds particular significance as it is the first time in 56 years that an Indian Prime Minister is visiting Guyana, following former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s visit in 1968.

The ceremonial welcome was a powerful symbol of the close relationship between the two countries, as President Ali, accompanied by Prime Minister Mark Anthony Phillips and other senior cabinet ministers, greeted PM Modi with a heartfelt embrace.

Taking to X, the Prime Minister’s Office posted, “PM @narendramodi arrived in Guyana. In a special gesture, he was warmly received by President Dr. Irfaan Ali, PM Mark Anthony Phillips, senior ministers and other dignitaries at the airport.”

The central focus of PM Modi’s visit is the upcoming India-CARICOM (Caribbean Community) Summit, where he will co-chair discussions with leaders from 14 Caribbean nations.

The summit will likely deepen India’s engagement with the region, showcasing its role as a voice for the Global South and its strong support for the political and economic aspirations of Caribbean countries.

The India-CARICOM Summit is a continuation of the dialogue that began at the first summit in 2019, held during the UN General Assembly, where India announced a $150 million credit line aimed at tackling climate change and supporting renewable energy projects in the Caribbean.

This second edition of the summit will focus on further collaboration in areas such as trade, energy security, climate action, and cultural ties.

India Is A Key Global Actor: CARICOM Official On PM Modi’s Visit

Elizabeth Solomon, CARICOM Assistant Secretary-General stated, “India is an important global actor. Our Member States are keen to meet Prime Minister Modi and develop deeper technical relationships, deepen advocacy for small states in the international arena, and strengthen people-to-people ties.”

During his visit, PM Modi is likely to discuss several key issues, particularly energy, as Guyana emerges as a major energy hub due to its vast oil reserves, estimated to exceed 11 billion barrels.

Energy security is a growing concern for India, and Guyana’s rich resources present an opportunity to diversify energy sources.

In addition to discussing energy partnerships, the Prime Minister will focus on the longstanding cultural and historical ties between India and Guyana, especially given the large Indo-Guyanese community, which constitutes nearly 40% of the country’s population.

This community’s roots trace back to Indian indentured laborers brought over during British colonial rule in the 19th century.

To honor this shared history, PM Modi will visit the Indian Arrival Monument in Georgetown, a site that commemorates the arrival of the first ship carrying Indian laborers to the region in 1838.

During his visit, he will also address the Guyanese Parliament and engage with the local Indian diaspora, reaffirming India’s enduring connection with one of the oldest Indian communities outside of India.

Trade between India and Guyana has steadily grown, with total trade standing at $223.36 million in 2021-22.

Guyana’s key exports to India include energy products, marking the beginning of what is likely to be an even closer economic partnership as both nations collaborate on future energy and infrastructure projects.

India has also supported Guyana’s development with several initiatives, including the establishment of a Centre of Excellence in Information Technology and the $25 million National Cricket Stadium.

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