THE state visit by Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, which begins today, is a significant milestone in India-Guyana relations and it has evoked excitement among Guyanese of all walks of life.
Of equal importance is its timing. This visit is happening as Guyana is experiencing explosive economic growth as it cements its place in the global energy sector as a key player.
The visit will be the final leg of an Africa-Caribbean outreach, which started off in Nigeria, followed by a stop in Brazil.

An economic powerhouse, India is regarded as the world’s sixth fastest-growing economy and it has one of the highest GDP growth rates in the world. It has made a big name for itself in areas such as agriculture, tourism, pharmaceuticals and engineering.
With this visit to Guyana, it is anticipated that more than five decades of partnership in fields such as healthcare, connectivity, security/defence and renewable energy, will be strengthened. These are all areas that President, Dr Irfaan Ali and his government have vowed to prioritise and develop.

Agreements that will be of great benefit to the Guyanese people are expected to be inked. Additionally, technology exchange, climate change, healthcare collaboration and other matters of mutual interest will be discussed by PM Modi and the Guyanese Head of State.
Through this visit, Guyana will also get an opportunity to tap into India’s success in creating Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), gaining insightful knowledge into how to stimulate economic growth and diversification while promoting innovation and creativity and enhancing regional integration and global competitiveness.

Guyana can also learn about India’s success in converting raw food into value-added products through agro-processing and explore ways for us to replicate.
The Asian nation has also been able to create technological advances that have positioned it well, globally. This is another area that Guyana can tap into as it eyes modernisation and an economically enriching existence for all citizens.

PM Modi’s address to the National Assembly of Guyana is also on the agenda along with him co-chairing the second India-CARICOM Summit. The latter holds enormous benefits for the CARICOM as PM Modi and Caribbean leaders will use the opportunity to strengthen historical connections and explore collaborative opportunities.

His planned visits to historical sites and engagements with the Indian community and the Indian Diaspora in Guyana are also significant, given the shared history of enslaved labourers during British colonial rule and the two countries’ rich cultural link.
PM Modi’s visit here must not be taken lightly as it reflects an evolving narrative in international relations that all countries are intertwined, regardless of their global status and that collaboration, understanding and mutual growth are paramount to a more multipolar world order.