Georgetown, Guyana—On Wednesday, President Dr. Irfaan Ali awarded India’s Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, the Order of Excellence, Guyana’s highest national honor, in recognition of his visionary leadership. Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi received a sculpture titled “Pivotal Bond,” crafted by renowned sculptor Winslow Craig from local silver ball wood. The artwork symbolizes the deep cultural and historical connections between Guyana and India, capturing the essence of both nations through powerful national symbols.
Since arriving in Guyana on Tuesday evening, Prime Minister Modi has engaged in a series of high-level discussions, including meetings with President Ali and other CARICOM leaders. He is also scheduled to address Guyana’s National Assembly before concluding his historic visit.
Focus on Strengthening Bilateral Relations
During a closed-door meeting at State House in Georgetown, President Ali and Prime Minister Modi explored a range of bilateral, regional, and multilateral issues. Their discussions culminated in signing five major agreements aimed at deepening cooperation in key sectors.
Guyana’s Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, and India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, were among the officials present for the signing ceremony. The agreements target technology transfer, health, energy, and agriculture—top priorities during Modi’s three-day state visit.
Highlights of the Agreements
- Medical Products Regulation: This is a collaboration between Guyana’s Ministry of Health, India’s Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO), and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. This agreement focuses on sharing information and best practices related to good laboratory, clinical, manufacturing, and pharmacological standards.
- Hydrocarbon Sector: A framework to enhance cooperation between Guyana and India in the energy sector, focusing on investment promotion, technology transfer, and joint studies to strengthen energy security and drive sustainable development.
- Agriculture: A pact to boost agricultural collaboration, emphasizing the exchange of expertise, joint activities, and capacity building. It includes a focus on agricultural crops, climate-resilient practices, value-added products, and advanced technologies, highlighting both countries’ commitment to food security.
- Real-Time Payment System: An agreement between the Bank of Guyana and India’s National Payments Corporation (NPCI) to explore implementing India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) technology in Guyana, establishing a real-time payment system for mutual benefit.
- Pharmacopeia Cooperation: A partnership involving Guyana’s Ministry of Health, India’s Pharmacopeia Commission, and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to recognize Indian Pharmacopeia as a quality standard. This agreement aims to enhance public health, develop affordable generic medicines, and align regulatory frameworks.
Advancing a Shared Vision for Development
President Ali emphasized the significance of these agreements, noting that they set the stage for more extensive collaboration. “Our discussions this morning and the agreements we have signed only lay more work for all of us,” he said. A working group will be established to address potential challenges and facilitate the implementation of the initiatives.
Both leaders acknowledged the critical role of energy cooperation in achieving sustainable development goals, with a focus on equitable energy transition and renewable energy promotion. Technology transfer was also prominently featured in the discussions, particularly in advancing Guyana’s 2030 digitalization plan.
Enhanced Cooperation in Defense, Security, and Development
The talks highlighted collaboration in energy and technology, defense, and security. The two countries agreed to increase joint training and military exercises. Infrastructure, education, human capital development, and economic diversification were also prioritized areas for expanded cooperation.
“These are areas that India is already collaborating with us on, and we have decided to further expand our cooperation given their key importance for Guyana and the region,” President Ali said.
Prime Minister Modi’s Commitment to Guyana
Prime Minister Modi expressed his appreciation for the warm welcome from President Ali and the people of Guyana. He emphasized the importance of leveraging technology to improve public welfare and highlighted the nations’ shared cultural ties. “We will share our experiences with Guyana in improving people’s welfare using technology,” Modi stated.
Beyond bilateral discussions, Prime Minister Modi was a keynote speaker at the 2nd CARICOM–India Summit, engaging with 14 heads of government from the 15-member Caribbean bloc. His visit underscores India’s commitment to strengthening ties with Guyana and across the Caribbean region.
Before concluding his visit, Prime Minister Modi is expected to address Guyana’s National Assembly, marking a historic moment in India-Guyana relations. The signing of these agreements marks a significant step toward a future of enhanced cooperation and shared prosperity between the two nations.