Deepanwita Martin
GEORGETOWN, Nov 21 – Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has become the first Indian leader in 56 years to visit Guyana, marking a historic milestone in India-Guyana relations. During his visit, India and Guyana signed 10 agreements to deepen cooperation in key sectors, including hydrocarbons, digital payments, agriculture, and defense.
Focus on Energy Security and Strategic Partnership
Prime Minister Modi highlighted Guyana’s importance to India’s energy security, announcing plans to create a framework for a long-term partnership in the sector. “Guyana will play a significant role in India’s energy security, and we will prepare a blueprint for a sustainable partnership,” PM Modi said during a joint press conference with Guyanese President Mohamed Irfaan Ali.
Key Agreements Signed
The agreements between India and Guyana cover diverse areas of mutual interest:
1. Hydrocarbons: Enhanced cooperation to explore oil and gas opportunities.
2. Agriculture: Increased focus on cultivating millet, rice, sugarcane, soybeans, and other crops.
3. Digital Payments: Deployment of India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) in Guyana to boost financial inclusion.
4. Pharmaceuticals: Establishment of a Jan Aushadhi Kendra to improve affordable healthcare access in Guyana.
5. Defense: Strengthened military collaboration, with scholarships, training, and the delivery of two Dornier aircraft by India.
Personal Bond with Guyana
PM Modi reflected on his “deep personal bond” with Guyana, recalling his visit to the country as a private citizen 24 years ago. He described the current visit as a landmark moment in fostering deeper ties.
Collaboration in Agriculture and Food Security
India’s contribution to agriculture was also a highlight of the discussions. Modi noted that millet seeds provided by India last year had boosted Guyana’s food security. “We will also cooperate in increasing the cultivation and processing of rice, sugarcane, corn, and soybeans,” he said.
Digital and Defense Transformation
The deployment of India’s UPI digital payments system in Guyana represents a major technological leap for the South American nation. Modi also emphasized the role of defense cooperation in building mutual trust, noting India’s support in training Guyana’s military and supplying Dornier aircraft.
Global and Regional Cooperation
The two leaders discussed pressing global issues, emphasizing the need for dialogue and diplomacy to resolve conflicts. “India and Guyana agree that reform in global institutions is essential, and climate justice remains a shared priority,” PM Modi said.
Guyanese President Lauds PM Modi’s Leadership
President Mohamed Irfaan Ali praised PM Modi as a “champion among leaders,” commending his impactful governance and development initiatives. “You have shown the light to the developing world and created frameworks that many nations, including Guyana, are adopting,” Ali said during a joint statement.
Prime Minister Modi’s visit has opened a new chapter in India-Guyana relations, strengthening ties in energy, technology, agriculture, and defense. The agreements signed during the visit reflect the growing partnership between the two nations, with both leaders expressing optimism about continued collaboration to address global challenges and drive mutual growth.