Prime Minister Narendra Modi has departed from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, to Guyana, marking the final leg of his impactful three-nation tour. This visit is historic, as PM Modi becomes the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Guyana in 56 years.
During his stay, PM Modi will co-chair the second India-CARICOM Summit alongside the Prime Minister of Grenada, the current Chairman of CARICOM, with the participation of leaders from all CARICOM member countries. He is also scheduled to hold delegation-level talks with Guyanese President Irfaan Ali and address the National Assembly of Guyana.
India and Guyana share a strong bilateral relationship, formalized through structures like the bilateral joint commission at the ministerial level, with the fourth session held in Georgetown in May 2008, and periodic foreign office consultations, the third round of which occurred in July 2011. This partnership is further enriched by cultural exchange programs and a joint business council established between the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) and the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GCCI).
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Developmental cooperation between the two nations is facilitated through the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) program, which provides 50 annual scholarships in various fields and deploys experts to assist in specific areas upon request. Additionally, scholarships under the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) enable Guyanese students to pursue undergraduate, postgraduate, and medical studies in India, with over 600 students having benefited from ITEC training.
India has also extended credit facilities to Guyana for projects in sectors like agriculture and information technology. Indian companies have shown interest in areas such as biofuels, energy, minerals, and pharmaceuticals, reflecting a growing bilateral trade relationship with positive prospects.
This visit is expected to open new avenues for collaboration, deepen India-Guyana ties, and foster broader regional partnerships.
PM Modi’s departure from Brazil follows his participation in the G20 Summit, where he highlighted India’s contributions to combating global hunger and poverty and held bilateral talks with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
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