Modi first Indian PM to visit Guyana in 56 years, signs 10 pacts to expand ties

The PM arrived last night from Brazil’s Rio de Janeiro, where he attended the G20 summit. One of the MoUs will allow the deployment of India’s UPI (Unified Payments Interface) digital payments system in Guyana. “We will continue to make efforts to increase our mutual trade and economic cooperation,” Modi said.

Landed in Guyana a short while ago. Gratitude to President Dr. Irfaan Ali, PM Mark Anthony Phillips, senior ministers and other dignitaries for coming to receive me at the airport. I am confident this visit will deepen the friendship between our nations. @presidentaligy… pic.twitter.com/B5hN0R96ld

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 20, 2024

Modi said India will continue to contribute to the capacity building of Guyana’s military through scholarships and training. “Close cooperation in the field of defence is a symbol of our deep mutual trust. I am happy that this year India has supplied two Dornier aircraft to Guyana.”

Agreeing to expand cooperation in the agriculture sector, Modi said: “With the millet seeds provided by India last year, we were able to contribute to increasing the food security of Guyana…” India also agreed to set up a Jan Ausadhi Kendra in Guyana.

On his arrival at the hotel, PM @narendramodi received a special welcome by President @DrMohamedIrfaa1 of 🇬🇾, PM Dickon Mitchell of Grenada, PM @miaamormottley of Barbados & several Cabinet Ministers of Guyana.

PM was handed over the ‘Key to the City of Georgetown’ by the Mayor… pic.twitter.com/NzqTgJtK3m

— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) November 20, 2024

The two leaders also deliberated on regional and global issues. President Ali said Modi’s visit to Guyana represents a significant milestone in enhancing cooperation between the two nations. He called Prime Minister Modi a “champion among leaders” for his impactful leadership and contribution to the developing world.

“Thank you very much… It is our greatest honour to have you here,” Ali said during a joint press statement with Modi. He lauded Modi’s governance style, noting its relevance and adoption in Guyana and other nations.

“You have shown the light to the developing world, and you have created development metrics and a framework that many are adopting in their own country. And much of it is relevant to us here in Guyana,” he said.