Indian Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi will arrive in Guyana on Tuesday for a three-day state visit, following an invitation from President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali. The visit is expected to deepen the longstanding relationship between the two nations and expand cooperation in critical areas of mutual interest.
President Ali and Prime Minister Modi will engage in high-level discussions focusing on military cooperation and strategies to address the global challenges of climate change. These talks are expected to lay the groundwork for strengthened ties in defense, energy, and sustainable development.
Speaking ahead of the visit, President Ali outlined a broader agenda that includes exploring opportunities in agro-processing, technology, climate adaptation, and support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The President also emphasized the importance of enhancing Guyana’s healthcare sector by tapping into India’s expertise in health tourism. “We are working to position our healthcare system as a revenue-generating arm, and India’s experience can play a vital role in achieving this goal,” he stated.
This visit follows President Ali’s trip to India in January 2023, where he served as the chief guest at the 17th Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas and received the prestigious Pravasi Bharatiya Samman award. During that trip, the two governments agreed to establish working groups to foster collaboration in agriculture, information and communications technology, renewable energy, wellness and natural medicine, and defense. These initiatives aim to build a framework for sustained bilateral cooperation.
During his time in Guyana, Prime Minister Modi will co-chair the 2nd India-CARICOM Summit alongside President Ali and Grenada’s Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell. The summit underscores India’s growing engagement with the Caribbean region. Additionally, Prime Minister Modi will address Guyana’s National Assembly, visit the Mahatma Gandhi statue at the Promenade Garden, and pay homage at the Indian Arrival Monument.
India has already contributed significantly to Guyana’s development through investments in renewable energy and infrastructure projects, supported by Lines of Credit from the Indian government. Projects such as the Solar Home Systems initiative and the MV MA Lisha ferry highlight this cooperation. India also provides capacity-building opportunities through the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme, benefiting numerous Guyanese professionals, including military officers who participate in army and naval training programs.
Diplomatic relations between Guyana and India, established in 1966, continue to flourish, with this state visit expected to further solidify the shared vision of growth and collaboration.
