India and Guyana on Wednesday signed 10 agreements to enhance cooperation in key sectors such as hydrocarbons, digital payment systems, pharmaceuticals and defence, following talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Guyana President Mohammed Irfan Ali.
In his media statement, PM Modi said that Guyana will play an important role in India’s energy security and a blueprint for long-term partnership will be prepared in this sector.
Recalling his visit to the South American country for nearly 24 years as an ordinary citizen, he said, “The visit of an Indian Prime Minister to Guyana after 56 years is an important milestone in our relations. I share a deep bond with Guyana. There has been a personal relationship.” Back.
The Prime Minister arrived here last night from the Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro, where he attended the G20 summit.
One of the MOUs will provide for the possibility of deployment of India’s UPI (Unified Payment Interface) digital payments system in Guyana.
PM Modi said, “In today’s meeting we have identified several new initiatives to strengthen our cooperation. We will continue to make efforts to enhance our mutual trade and economic cooperation.”
The Prime Minister said India will continue to contribute to the capacity building of the Guyana military through scholarships and training.
He said, “The close cooperation in the field of defense is a symbol of our deep mutual trust. I am happy that this year India has supplied two Dornier aircraft to Guyana.”
The agreements signed between the two sides will provide cooperation in a number of areas including hydrocarbons, agriculture, medicines, digital payment systems, culture and digital transformation.
In his remarks, PM Modi said India has made a significant contribution to the skill development and capacity building of the people of Guyana as per their needs.
Both sides also agreed to increase cooperation in the agricultural sector.
“With the millet seeds provided by India last year, we were able to contribute to increasing the food security of Guyana as well as the entire region,” PM Modi said.
He said, “Similarly, we will also cooperate in increasing the cultivation of rice milling, sugarcane, maize, soya and other crops.”
During the talks, the Indian side also agreed to establish a Jan Aushadhi Center in Guyana.
PM Modi said, “Along with increasing pharma exports, we will also work on building Jan Aushadhi Kendra in Guyana. India is contributing as a reliable partner in the infrastructure development of Guyana.”
The two leaders also discussed regional and global issues.
“We also discussed a number of global and regional issues. India and Guyana agree that all problems should be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy,” the Prime Minister said.
“We are unanimous that reform of global institutions is the need of the hour. Climate justice is a priority issue for both of us. We will continue to work together on all issues,” he said.
On his part, President Ali said that PM Modi’s visit to Guyana is an important milestone in enhancing cooperation between the two countries.
He praised Prime Minister Modi, calling him a ‘champion among leaders’ for his influential leadership and contribution to the developing world.
“Thank you very much, Prime Minister Modi. It is our greatest honor to have you here. You are a champion among leaders. You have shown incredible leadership,” President Ali said during a joint press statement with PM Modi.
He lauded PM Modi’s style of governance, noting its relevance and adoption in Guyana and other countries.
He said, “You have shown the light to the developing world, and you have created development metrics and a framework that many are adopting in their own countries. And much of it is relevant to us here in Guyana.”
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
