– with focus on energy, cybersecurity, and disaster management

IN order to strengthen bilateral relations, the Prime Minister of Guyana, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, received a warm welcome from President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan in Delhi on Wednesday.
The meeting underscored the deepening partnership between the two nations, with a primary focus on energy, cybersecurity, and disaster management.

President Murmu took to her X account (formerly known as Twitter) to commend Guyana’s leadership and efforts in climate change, green energy, and sustainable development.
Her praise highlights the global recognition of Guyana’s initiatives in these critical areas.

Adding to the week’s engagements, Prime Minister Phillips also met with the External Affairs Minister of India, Dr. S Jaishankar on Wednesday.

The discussions, rich in scope, covered economic partnerships, energy co-operation, security, and development co-operation, reflecting a comprehensive approach to bilateral engagement.

Dr. Jaishankar shared on his official X account, “Good discussion on our partnership in the fields of economy, energy, security, and development co-operation. Also exchanged views on the CARICOM and UN,” indicating a broad spectrum of topics aimed at fostering mutual growth and co-operation.

This visit marks a continuation of the upward trajectory in bilateral relations between India and Guyana, further highlighted by recent significant visits from President Irfaan Ali, Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, and other high-ranking officials.

Following these engagements, both nations have constituted eight Joint Working Groups in areas such as agriculture, health, infrastructure development, energy, Ayurveda, technology innovation, defence, and human resources and capacity building.
This strategic collaboration aims to leverage the strengths of both countries for mutual benefit.

A focal point of the partnership is Guyana’s interest in acquiring defence capabilities from India, aimed at protecting its maritime boundaries, exclusive economic zones, and its burgeoning oil and gas industry.

The move underscores the strategic importance of defence co-operation in ensuring security against potential threats, including illegal fishing activities.

External Affairs Minister Jaishankar’s visit to Guyana last year, which included a Joint Commission meeting with Guyanese Minister of Foreign Affairs Hugh Todd, played a pivotal role in solidifying the diplomatic ties.

The discussions highlighted shared perspectives on global challenges and collaborative solutions, paving the way for a stronger partnership.

Brigadier Mark Anthony Phillips, with his rich background as the former Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force and current Executive Prime Minister since August 2020, brings a strategic dimension to the discussions, especially in defence co-operation.

The engagement was further celebrated during the 75th Republic Day of India at the Indian High Commission in Georgetown, where Guyana’s Governance and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Gail Teixeira lauded India’s role in the global community.

Minister Teixeira praised India’s commitment to democratic governance, pluralism, and the rule of law, underscoring the foundational strengths of the world’s largest democracy.