- विज्ञापन -
Georgetown: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has embarked on a two-day visit to Guyana, a nation rich in energy resources and linked to India through a significant diaspora.
During his visit, he will co-chair the India-CARICOM summit, which includes 14 participating nations, highlighting India’s commitment to acting as a voice for the Global South and supporting the political and economic goals of these countries.
“India is an important global player. Our Member States are eager to meet Prime Minister Modi to enhance technical cooperation, advocate for small states on the international stage, and strengthen people-to-people connections,” stated CARICOM Assistant Secretary-General Elizabeth Solomon, as reported by Antigua Newsroom.
In a statement ahead of his visit, PM Modi expressed his intention to honor one of the oldest Indian diasporas, which migrated over 185 years ago. He emphasized the importance of discussing strategic directions for their unique relationship, grounded in shared heritage, culture, and values.
Guyana’s Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo, noted that the visit signifies the historically strong ties between India and Guyana.
The second India-CARICOM Summit will take place on Wednesday, co-chaired by Guyana’s President Mohamed Irfaan Ali and Grenada’s Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell. The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) consists of Caribbean nations, and the inaugural summit was held in 2019 during the UN General Assembly, where India offered a $150 million credit line for climate change and renewable energy initiatives.
In addition to cultural connections, PM Modi is looking to Guyana for India’s energy security, as the nation is emerging as a potential major player in the petroleum and gas sector. According to the US Energy Information Administration, Guyana’s oil and natural gas resources are estimated at over 11 billion oil-equivalent barrels, surpassing Kuwait’s reserves.
The discovery of these offshore oil reserves has attracted interest from various countries and multinational corporations, positioning Guyana as a key contributor to India’s efforts to diversify its energy sources.
People of Indian descent constitute 39.8% of Guyana’s multi-ethnic population, with Hindus making up 28.4% of the largest religious group. The Indo-Guyanese are descendants of individuals brought over by the British Raj as indentured laborers starting in 1838 to work on sugar plantations, as well as those who arrived as traders or in other professions.
According to Jagdeo, PM Modi will visit the Indian Arrival Monument, which commemorates the first ship carrying Indian indentured laborers to the Caribbean in 1838. He will also address Guyana’s Parliament and engage with the Indian community and diaspora.
President Ali visited India last year as the chief guest at the Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas. Modi’s visit marks the first by an Indian prime minister to Guyana since Indira Gandhi’s visit in 1968.
India has supported Guyana through various projects, including a $25 million National Cricket Stadium, which hosted the T20 World Cup this year, and the establishment of a Centre of Excellence in Information Technology (CEIT).
Trade between India and Guyana reached $223.36 million in 2021-22, with Guyana’s exports totaling $156.96 million, primarily driven by energy products.
