Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Guyana yesterday, becoming the first Indian head of government to visit in over 56 years. This landmark visit signifies the deepening ties between India and Guyana. It also highlights the growing significance of multilateral diplomacy. This is especially important with the evolving dynamics of the Caribbean and South American regions.
Prime Minister Modi was welcomed in Georgetown by Guyana’s President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, along with more than a dozen cabinet ministers, greeting him at the airport. This warm reception underscores the importance of this visit, which reflects the strategic partnership that has been developing between India and Guyana in recent years.
Strengthening Bilateral Relations
The India-Guyana relationship has seen a steady rise in high-level exchanges. Notably, President Irfaan Ali was the Chief Guest at the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in January 2023. This signaled the increasing warmth between the two countries. Several other visits followed including visits by Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo and Prime Minister Mark Phillips. Key ministers in agriculture, health, and defence also visited the country. Most recently, in April 2023, India’s External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, visited Guyana, further solidifying diplomatic ties.
During his visit, Prime Minister Modi is set to engage in delegation-level talks with President Irfaan Ali to discuss various areas of cooperation, including hydrocarbon exploration, healthcare, education, and defence. Guyana is on the cusp of an economic transformation due to the discovery of significant oil and gas reserves. As such, it offers a vast range of opportunities for Indian investment and collaboration.
The Indian diaspora in Guyana, which has a history of over 180 years, now comprises roughly 40% of the country’s population. It also plays a crucial role as a bridge between the two nations. PM Modi will also address the National Assembly of Guyana and the vibrant Indian diaspora.
The India-CARICOM Summit: A Multilateral Milestone
A key highlight of Prime Minister Modi’s visit is the second India-CARICOM (Caribbean Community) Summit, which he will co-chair alongside the Prime Minister of Grenada, the current Chair of CARICOM. This summit, held in Guyana, marks the first time it is hosted in a CARICOM country. The summit’s serves to deepen India’s ties with the entire Caribbean region, comprising 15 member states.
The summit’s agenda is expected to cover a wide range of cooperative initiatives, including healthcare, digital infrastructure, renewable energy, technology, and education, particularly in STEM fields. These discussions are the result of ongoing diplomatic efforts, including a recent Joint Commission Meeting with CARICOM nations.
The collaboration between India and CARICOM has been robust, with both sides participating in the Voice of the Global South Summits and other platforms to address global issues, especially those that affect emerging markets and developing economies.
The G20 Summit and Broader Multilateral Engagements
“Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Guyana is part of a broader international itinerary which includes participation in the 19th G20 Summit in Brazil. At the G20 Summit, India pushed for the priorities it championed during the New Delhi Summit. These priorities include inclusive growth, digital transformation, and sustainable development. This year’s summit is especially notable as it marks the inclusion of the African Union as a full member of the G20. This expands the scope for cooperation with Africa, Latin America, and Asia.
Additionally, PM Modi’s state visit to Nigeria demonstrates India’s expanding influence in Africa and the Global South. The strengthening of India-Nigeria ties is marked by a strategic partnership. It includes an ongoing cooperation in sectors such as power, healthcare, and education. India is forming partnerships in hydrocarbon sectors, digital infrastructure, renewable energy, and defence.
India is positioning itself as a key partner in the global south. Guyana’s vast resources and growing economy are strategically important as they align with India’s goals of fostering sustainable development. India aims for multilateral collaboration in the Caribbean and South America.
Manbilas Singh is a talented writer and journalist who focuses on the finer details in every story and values integrity above everything. A self-proclaimed sleuth, he strives to expose the fine print behind seemingly mundane activities and aims to uncover the truth that is hidden from the general public. In his time away from work, he is a music aficionado and a nerd who revels in video & board games, books and Formula 1.
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