Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on a historic visit to Guyana, was conferred with the country’s highest national honor, the ‘Dominica Award of Honor’, by the Commonwealth of Dominica. This marks the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Guyana in 56 years.
Upon receiving the prestigious award, PM Modi stated, “This honor is not just mine but belongs to the 1.4 billion people of India, their values, and their traditions. We are two democracies and role models for women empowerment globally.”
On Wednesday, PM Modi held discussions with Guyana’s President Mohamed Irfaan Ali. Following their talks, both nations signed 10 agreements to enhance collaboration in key areas such as hydrocarbons, digital payment systems, pharmaceuticals, and defense.
PM Modi highlighted Guyana’s strategic importance in India’s energy security and emphasized developing a long-term framework for collaboration in this sector. Reflecting on his earlier visit to Guyana 24 years ago as a common man, he remarked, “This visit by an Indian Prime Minister, after more than five decades, is a significant milestone in our relationship. I have always shared a deep personal connection with Guyana.”
Among the agreements signed was a significant pact on the implementation of India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) system in Guyana, enabling a robust digital payment framework. PM Modi emphasized the potential of these agreements to strengthen ties, stating, “We have identified several new initiatives to bolster our cooperation. Efforts to enhance trade and economic collaboration will continue.”
India is already a vital supplier of pharmaceutical products to Guyana, and Modi expressed India’s commitment to increasing exports in this sector. He also underlined the importance of mutual trust in strengthening defense cooperation between the two countries.
The discussions extended to regional and global issues, with both leaders agreeing that all challenges should be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy. President Irfaan Ali hailed PM Modi’s visit as a historic milestone in advancing cooperation between the two nations.
PM Modi’s arrival in Georgetown was marked by a grand welcome from President Irfaan Ali, Prime Minister Mark Anthony Phillips, and over a dozen cabinet ministers. Later, Modi met Grenadian Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell and Barbadian Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley at his hotel.
Expressing his gratitude, Modi posted on social media, “The warm reception in Guyana will always remain memorable. It was a pleasure meeting Prime Ministers Dickon Mitchell and Mia Amor Mottley, as well as the Guyanese cabinet ministers.”
As a token of appreciation and the enduring ties between the two nations, PM Modi was also presented with the Key to the City of Georgetown.
PM Modi’s visit underscores India’s deepening ties with the Caribbean region and reaffirms its commitment to fostering economic and strategic partnerships. The agreements signed during this visit are expected to pave the way for strengthened cooperation and mutual growth, marking a new chapter in India-Guyana relations.
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