Georgetown, Guyana – In a historic moment for India-Guyana relations, President Dr. Irfaan Ali and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi have signed five pivotal Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs), strengthening cooperation across several critical sectors. This milestone occurred during Prime Minister Modi’s recent state visit, marking the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Guyana in 56 years.
Following a productive closed-door meeting, the two leaders addressed the media at the State House in Georgetown, announcing agreements that span hydrocarbons, health, agriculture, energy, and technology transfer. The MOUs aim to deepen collaboration in these essential fields, underscoring the shared goals of both nations.
Details of the MOUs
- Medical Products Regulation: An agreement between the Ministers of Health of Guyana and India to improve regulatory standards for medical products.
- Hydrocarbon Sector: A partnership between the Minister of Natural Resources of Guyana and the Indian Minister of External Affairs, focusing on developing oil and gas.
- Agriculture: A pact aimed at enhancing agricultural cooperation between Guyana’s Agriculture Ministry and India’s Ministry of External Affairs.
- Pharmacopeia: An agreement between Guyana’s Ministry of Health and India’s Pharmacopeia Commission to advance healthcare standards.
- Digital Payments Technology: A collaboration involving the Bank of Guyana, the Government of Guyana, and India’s National Payments Corporation to explore implementing India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) technology in Guyana.
President Ali emphasized that the discussions “were not only fruitful but also reinforced” the two countries’ dedication to tackling regional and global issues. He highlighted that the agreements align with their mutual priorities in agriculture, technological innovation, and healthcare.
India’s Support for Guyana’s Growth
As part of the agreements, India committed to supporting the modernization of Guyana’s agriculture, focusing on the rice, sugar, corn, and wheat industries through advanced technology and research. Additional initiatives include the potential introduction of Ayurvedic medicine and vaccine manufacturing in Guyana. “India’s global footprint in healthcare presents a tremendous opportunity for us here in Guyana,” said President Ali.
Discussions between the two nations also included urban planning, digital transformation, and governance, reflecting Guyana’s 2030 digitalization ambitions. “The transfer of technology, the rolling out of our own 2030 digitalization plan to improve governance, efficiency, reliability, [and] the advancement in our healthcare system,” President Ali said, noting India’s expertise in telemedicine and other digital services.
India’s Commitment to Cooperation
Prime Minister Modi expressed his enthusiasm for the renewed partnership, emphasizing the focus on trade, economic cooperation, and capacity building. He praised the agricultural initiatives that have already contributed to regional food security and spoke of the transformative potential of India’s digital infrastructure. “We will share our experience of improving people’s welfare using technology,” Modi affirmed.
Modi also highlighted India’s assistance in defense, including providing Dornier aircraft to Guyana, and celebrated the extension of a cultural exchange agreement through 2027, enhancing ties through events like Holi festivals.
In his closing remarks, Modi voiced his optimism for the future, acknowledging the progress and promising path ahead. “The seeds of cooperation have been sown, ready to blossom into a future of shared prosperity between India and Guyana,” he said, expressing gratitude for Guyana’s warm hospitality.
The three-day state visit has marked a significant step forward in the India-Guyana partnership, solidifying a foundation for further collaboration and shared success.