Vice-President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo represented Guyana on the international stage in New Delhi, where he attended a reception marking the country’s 56th Republic Anniversary and held high-level discussions on artificial intelligence and global cooperation.
The anniversary reception, hosted by the Guyana High Commission in New Delhi, brought together members of the diplomatic corps, senior officials of the Government of India, private-sector stakeholders and representatives of the Guyanese diaspora. The gathering celebrated Guyana’s republican status and provided an opportunity to deepen bilateral ties with India and other partner nations.
Addressing attendees, Vice-President Dr Jagdeo reflected on Guyana’s historical journey, acknowledging the challenges of earlier decades and the national resolve that followed the restoration of democratic governance. He underscored the administration’s continued commitment to democratic principles and inclusive development, noting that recent economic expansion has been supported by deliberate policy efforts to achieve broad-based prosperity.
Dr. Jagdeo highlighted ongoing reforms and investments in infrastructure, social services and economic diversification, emphasising that the government’s objective is to ensure that the country’s rapid growth translates into tangible improvements in living standards for all citizens.
His visit to India also coincided with his participation in the India AI Summit, a major international forum focused on governance, equity and innovation in artificial intelligence. The summit brought together global leaders, technology executives and multilateral representatives to examine how emerging AI systems can be responsibly harnessed.
During the summit, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi advocated equitable access to artificial intelligence technologies, urging that innovation must not widen global disparities. He called for AI to be a tool for inclusion, particularly for developing nations.
On the margins of the summit, Vice-President Jagdeo held bilateral meetings with several international counterparts, including Mauritius Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam, and with senior Indian ministers responsible for technology and infrastructure. He also met with leaders from international financial and diplomatic institutions, reinforcing Guyana’s growing presence in global policy discussions.
The summit featured contributions from prominent global figures, including French President Emmanuel Macron, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, and technology executives, who called for stronger multilateral cooperation to ensure that AI development benefits humanity.
The draft “Delhi Declaration,” expected to receive broad endorsement, outlines guiding principles for responsible AI governance, including expanding access to infrastructure, strengthening research collaboration, and promoting inclusive workforce development.
Vice-President Dr Jagdeo’s participation in both the Republic Anniversary reception and the AI Summit reflects Guyana’s dual priorities: celebrating its national achievements while actively shaping emerging global frameworks in technology, finance and sustainable development.