GOVERNANCE and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Gail Teixeira, has reaffirmed Guyana’s dedication to enhancing its “friendship and collaboration” with India, recognising the nation’s pivotal role on the global stage.

In her remarks at recent reception to commemorate India’s 75th Republic Day Anniversary at the Pegasus Suites and Corporate Centre, Minister Teixeira had lauded India’s significant contributions to global development and its influential presence across various domains.

“India’s contributions to global advancement, as well as its profound influence in a variety of fields, have had a tremendous impact worldwide,” Teixeira remarked, highlighting the geopolitical and strategic significance of India in Asia and beyond.

She praised India’s diplomatic endeavours and collaborations for establishing itself as a formidable entity in international affairs and on multilateral platforms.

“As a younger developing country, Guyana admires the advances India has made over the decades, and wholeheartedly salutes its status as a prominent global actor,” she added.

The minister pointed out the recognition of India’s role in international governance, referencing the President of the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, Dennis France’s note on India’s conspicuous absence as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, despite its eight terms of service.

Teixeira affirmed that the enduring principles of democracy, diversity, and unity are the pillars that unite Guyana and India.

“Guyana and India have had, and continue to have, strong historical and cultural ties; and our diplomatic relations have grown throughout the years through partnership in trade, education, infrastructure, research, and technology,” she said.

The minister also touched on the vibrant co-operation programme between the two nations that has fostered numerous beneficial projects for Guyana.

She commended India for its steadfast commitment to democratic governance, pluralism, and the rule of law, underscoring these as the nation’s core strengths contributing to its global stature as the largest democracy.

“The country’s strong democratic institutions and varied civil society have established a strong democratic governance system,” Teixeira said.

Acknowledging India’s diverse economy, she highlighted major industries such as information technology, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, manufacturing, and services. She also praised India’s innovation in technology and engineering, which has bolstered its global impact.

Teixeira further expressed Guyana’s appreciation for India’s rich cultural history and its role in strengthening bilateral ties through educational and cultural exchange programmes such as the “Know India Program” (KIP), the Indian Technical and Economic Co-operation (ITEC) programme, and the GOAL scholarship programme.

Those initiatives, she said, have allowed young Guyanese to immerse themselves in Indian culture and benefit from its academic and research excellence.

The minister also outlined various areas of beneficial collaboration between Guyana and India, including infrastructure, agriculture, climate adaptation, and defence co-operation.

“Guyana acknowledges India as a friend and a strong strategic partner. And as we celebrate India’s 75th Republic Anniversary, we reaffirm our commitment to deepening our two countries’ friendship and collaboration.

“Our common goals for peace, prosperity and development, serve as a firm platform for continuing to strengthen our bilateral relations and exploring novel partnership opportunities,” the Teixeira said.

High Commissioner of India to Guyana, Dr Amit Telang, underscored the profound and long-standing relationship between India and Guyana.

Addressing a distinguished audience, Dr Telang first reflected on India’s journey over the past 75 years, celebrating its achievements and reiterating its commitment to fostering strong international ties, particularly with nations such as Guyana.

The High Commissioner pointed to the resilience and progress of India, which, despite the challenges of post-colonial development, has emerged as a leader on the global stage.

He proudly noted: “Today, India’s GDP growth rate remains one of the highest among major economies globally,” a statement that underscores the country’s remarkable trajectory towards economic and social advancement.

Central to his address was the emphasis on India’s collaborative spirit and its dedication to universal values of freedom, democracy, and peaceful co-existence.

Those principles, he said, have not only guided India’s domestic policy but have also shaped its international outreach, including its relationship with Guyana.

Highlighting the bilateral co-operation, Dr Telang remarked: “We consider Guyana and our multilateral partners in the CARICOM region as our valuable friends in this process.”
He underscored the deep-rooted friendship and mutual respect between India and Guyana, nurtured by shared values and historical ties.

The High Commissioner specifically acknowledged Guyana’s role as a “trusted friend and dependable partner,” with shared visions, particularly in crucial areas like food security, energy security, and climate mitigation measures.

Dr Telang also took the opportunity to celebrate the nearly six decades of stable and sustained partnership between the two nations, a relationship enriched by historical, cultural, and people-to-people links.

“Our robust co-operation in areas of education, capacity building, and skill development provide testimony to our strong belief in the strength of our people, especially our youth who are our future,” he stated, highlighting the multifaceted nature of the India-Guyana partnership.

In discussing the challenges facing the global community, such as climate change and environmental degradation, Dr Telang pointed to India’s leadership in promoting renewable energy sources and the ‘LiFE Movement’ initiated by India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

This initiative, he said: “Subsumes the action plans for food security, sustainable lifestyle solutions, and reducing the global carbon footprint,” illustrating India’s proactive approach to global environmental issues.

He extended his gratitude to the Government of Guyana and all Guyanese partners for their co-operation and support, acknowledging the invaluable role they play in enriching this bilateral relationship.