Historic Visit by Indian PM Modi to Guyana Marks New Milestone in Indo-Caribbean Relations
Georgetown, Guyana - In a significant milestone in the long-standing relationship between India and Guyana, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid a historic visit to the Caribbean nation yesterday, underscoring deep historical and cultural ties.
Nearly 40 per cent of Guyana's population is of Indian origin, tracing their ancestry back to indentured labourers brought by British colonial powers in the 19th century. Over the years, this diaspora has preserved Indian culture, traditions, and language while contributing significantly to Guyana's economic development.
Modi's visit marks a renewed focus on Indo-Caribbean relations, with this being the first visit by an Indian prime minister to Guyana since Indira Gandhi's visit in 1968. The presence of Modi underscores the importance of Guyana as a partner in India's broader engagement with the Global South and highlights India's growing interest in fostering collaboration with Guyana.
The diaspora factor adds a unique dimension to Modi's visit, emphasizing India's soft power. With a rich legacy of cultural diplomacy, Modi's engagements with the local Indian community, as well as his address to the Guyanese Parliament, will symbolize India's respect for its shared history and vision for a collaborative future.
The Guyanese government is also expected to confer Modi with its highest national award, "The Order of Excellence," along with another Caribbean nation, Barbados. India's growing energy collaboration with Guyana highlights the strategic importance of the Caribbean nation in diversifying India's energy sources.
State-owned entities such as ONGC Videsh and Oil India Limited (OIL) are exploring opportunities in Guyana's rapidly expanding oil and gas sector. This engagement aligns with India's broader strategy to reduce dependence on the Middle East, mitigate potential supply disruptions, and address global scrutiny over oil imports from Russia.
Beyond hydrocarbons, the partnership extends to agriculture, healthcare, renewable energy, and technology. The visit is expected to focus on developmental aid, where India has been a longstanding partner in Guyana's progress.
During his visit, Modi will co-chair the India-CARICOM Summit alongside Grenadian Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell, strengthening ties with the 15-member regional bloc. Discussions will focus on expanding cooperation in energy, infrastructure, agriculture and food security, health and pharmaceuticals, and technology and innovation.
Modi's visit symbolizes India's ambition to expand its global footprint by strengthening its role in emerging energy markets. Guyana's rise as a major player in the oil and gas sector aligns with India's energy diversification strategy, reducing dependence on traditional suppliers.
Moreover, by engaging with CARICOM nations, India demonstrates its commitment to fostering equitable global partnerships, ensuring that benefits extend beyond bilateral ties to the broader Caribbean region.