Namaste. My dear brothers and sisters of Guyana, greetings from the High Commission of India in Guyana.

First of all, let me wish you all Happy Deepavali from the people and Government of India and from the High Commission of India in Guyana. Hope you are having a bright and wonderful celebration. May your life be as colourful, shimmering and magical as the lights of Diwali. May the gleam of diyas enlighten your spirit and vanquish darkness from your life.

It is a reminder of the traditions we share, across continents and cultures. Today, Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and Buddhists – some of the world’s oldest religions – light the Diya with family and friends. You celebrate life’s blessings – the triumph of knowledge over ignorance and good over evil.

Guyana, like India, is truly a great diverse nation, strengthened by the contributions of all people. The amazing solidarity and brotherhood between all religions in Guyana is the example I give to everyone back home in India.

Bilateral relations between Guyana and India have been growing steadily and have seen greater visibility and enhanced momentum in all areas. India is a valuable and trusted partner in Guyana’s growth story. India is committed to further strengthen and deepen the warm and friendly ties with Guyana. Guyana looks towards India for collaboration in many sectors, including infrastructure, healthcare, agriculture, education, hospitality, manufacturing, IT, renewable energy, SMEs etc. Government of India will be happy to support Guyana in all possible ways to assist in its requirements and continued growth and encourage Indian companies to work with Guyanese companies with offers of technology support and knowledge-sharing. India is also offering training and capacity building in civilian, defence and media sectors for nation building.

Taking this opportunity, I would also like to reiterate that the Government of India, led by Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, is giving greater importance to the Indian Diaspora the world over, especially with our Indian Diaspora in the Girmitiya lands including Guyana, Suriname, Trinidad & Tobago, Mauritius, Fiji and South Africa, to build everlasting links with the Motherland India. India will always be a strategic partner and a friend in need and deed for Guyana. We pray for the progress and well-being of Guyana and its people.

Once again, I wish you all and all your loved ones a Happy Diwali and Happy New Year. I wish you all happiness, joy, prosperity and health. God bless you all. Long live India-Guyana friendship.