…accredits new India High Commissioner

PRESIDENT David Granger, on Wednesday, accredited His Excellency Dr. K.J. Srinivasa as the High Commissioner of the Republic of India to Guyana.

During the simple but significant accreditation ceremony at the Ministry of the Presidency, President Granger and the India High Commissioner, while underscoring the strides made between the two countries, committed to strengthen collaboration in the areas of solar power, oil and gas, agriculture and infrastructure development, among others.

In his address, President Granger said, in its pursuit of becoming a solar state, Guyana will continue to work closely with India. In January 2018, Guyana signed and ratified the Framework Agreement of the International Solar Alliance. Three months later, President Granger reaffirmed his country’s commitment to the alliance during his attendance at the First Summit of the International Solar Alliance in New Delhi.

Becoming a solar state is a key component of Guyana’s Green State Development Strategy, President Granger told the newly accredited India High Commissioner. “The ‘Strategy’ – our road map towards becoming a ‘green state’ – emphasises the protection of our environment, the preservation of our biodiversity, the promotion of renewable energy and the adoption of practical measures to guarantee climate adaptation,” the Head of State explained.

Dr. Srinivasa, in delivering his maiden address as the India High Commissioner to Guyana, recalled that India was one of the first countries to establish diplomatic relations with Guyana. Guyana and India established diplomatic relations in 1966, and by 1968, the Commission of India which was established in Georgetown in May 1965, had become a full-fledged High Commission. The Indian High Commissioner took note of the fact that while India and Guyana are miles apart, they have many common characteristics such as their colonial past, predominantly agricultural and rural-based economies and multi-cultural societies.

Noting that the bilateral relations between India and Guyana remain cordial and friendly, the India High Commissioners said President Granger’s attendance at the Founding Conference of the International Solar Alliance, and earlier and subsequent visits by two delegations of ministers have further strengthened and consolidated the countries’ bilateral relations.

“Excellency, immense opportunities exist for both our countries to further enhance bilateral trade, particularly in agriculture and food processing, oil and gas, renewable sources of energy, forestry, drug and pharmaceuticals, health infrastructure, education, etc.,” Commissioner Srinivasa said.

He said India is committed to Guyana’s overall development, while assuring the President that India’s participation in the development process in various sectors of Guyana’s economy would continue. Guyana’s leading role in environmental issues and low carbon development strategy has been recognised all over the world, Commissioner Srinivasa said, while noting that India would like to benefit from Guyana’s experience in this field.

In the area of human resource development, the Indian Commissioner said Guyanese over the years have been exposed to countless academic and technical opportunities. To date, more than 500 Guyanese nationals have benefitted from India Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC). From April 2018 to March 2019, 26 Guyanese officials were trained in India in different fields under the ITEC.

“In the past, India has extended concessional Lines of Credit through EXIM Bank for modernisation of sugar plants, construction of cricket stadium, installation of solar traffic lights, etc. The ongoing LoC projects include the East Coast-East Bank Demerara Link Road Project, supply of a passenger ferry, acquisition of high-capacity, fixed and mobile drainage pumps and upgradation of three primary health centres,” he recalled.

The India High Commissioner also expressed gratitude to President Granger for the support given by Guyana during various elections to the United Nations (UN) bodies and international organisations. “We count on your support in United Nations restructuring, including expansion of Security Council and India’s claim for a permanent membership of the expanded Security Council,” he told the Head of State.

Dr. Srinivasa told President Granger that he is deeply aware of responsibilities and stands committed to the task. “…It would be my endeavour to take our bilateral relations, including trade, on a higher trajectory through continued engagement and solid interactions between the business communities of the two countries,” he said while securing the support of the State.

The relationship between Guyana and India was established long before 1965. Approximately 181 years ago, immigrants from India were brought to Guyana after slavery was completely abolished in 1838. Today, their descendants constitute a large proportion of Guyana’s population. Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Karen Cummings and Director-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Audrey Waddell, accompanied the President. Commissioner Srinivasa replaces His Excellency Venkatachalam Mahalingam.