From Energy Diplomacy To CARICOM: Prime Minister Modi Arrives In Guyana, First Visit By An Indian PM In More Than 50 Years

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Guyana on Wednesday (20 November), marking a historic moment as the first visit by an Indian PM to the South American nation in over 50 years.

Reflecting on the significance of this visit, Modi stated that it “will deepen the friendship between our nations.”

In a display of exceptional hospitality, Guyanese President Irfan Ali, Vice President Mark Anthony Phillips, and over a dozen cabinet ministers personally welcomed PM Modi at the airport.

This warmth extended to his accommodation, where he was joined by the Prime Ministers of Grenada, Dickon Mitchell, and Barbados, Mia Amor Mottley, underscoring the regional importance of his visit.

A symbolic highlight of the trip was the presentation of the Key to the City of Georgetown by the Mayor, a gesture that emphasised the enduring ties between India and Guyana.

PM Modi's itinerary includes meetings with President Ali to discuss strategic directions for the India-Guyana relationship, addressing Guyana's Parliament, and paying homage to one of the world’s oldest Indian diasporas, which settled in the country over 185 years ago.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Guyana is home to around 320,000 people of Indian origin, whose contributions form an integral part of the nation’s identity.

The visit also carries a broader regional significance as PM Modi is set to participate in the second India-CARICOM Summit, engaging leaders from across the Caribbean.

Guyana, with its estimated 11.2 billion oil-equivalent barrels—18 per cent of global oil and gas discoveries—has emerged as a key player in India’s energy diversification strategy.

This underscores the strategic importance of strengthening India-Guyana ties in an era of global energy transitions.

PM Modi’s trip to Guyana concludes a three-nation tour that began with bilateral talks in Nigeria with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and continued with his participation in the G20 Summit in Brazil.

At the G20, PM Modi engaged in discussions with leaders from Brazil, Italy, Indonesia, Portugal, Norway, Chile, Argentina, Egypt, South Korea, and others, reinforcing India's global diplomatic priorities.

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