PM Modi Arrives in Guyana, Receives Warm Welcome from President Irfaan Ali

Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in Guyana on Wednesday, marking the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the country in 56 years. In a historic gesture, he was personally welcomed at the airport by Guyanese President Mohamed Irfaan Ali and over a dozen cabinet ministers.

President Ali greeted PM Modi with a warm hug and exchanged pleasantries. The Indian Prime Minister received a ceremonial welcome, including a Guard of Honour, upon his arrival in Georgetown.

Key Highlights of the Visit

– Address to Parliament: PM Modi will deliver a special address to Guyana’s parliament.
– India-CARICOM Summit: He will participate in the 2nd India-CARICOM Summit alongside leaders from Caribbean partner nations.
– High-Level Discussions: The visit will include delegation-level talks with President Irfaan Ali to strengthen bilateral ties.

Strengthening India-Guyana Ties

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) emphasized the growing partnership between India and Guyana ahead of the visit. MEA Secretary (East), Jaideep Mazumdar, highlighted recent high-level interactions, including President Ali’s attendance at the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in January 2023.

India’s developmental assistance to Guyana includes:
– Delivery of an ocean-going ferry built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE).
– Supply of two HAL 228 aircraft under a line of credit this year.
– Solar lighting for 30,000 households in indigenous communities.
– Training for 800 Guyanese professionals under India’s ITEC program.

Mazumdar noted Guyana’s status as the world’s fastest-growing economy and outlined opportunities for collaboration in hydrocarbons, healthcare, education, renewable energy, and defence.

Significance of the Visit

PM Modi’s visit underscores India’s commitment to deepening ties with Guyana and the broader Caribbean region, fostering cooperation across diverse fields for mutual growth and development.