As Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi yesterday wrapped up his visit in Guyana, he and President Irfaan Ali jointly stated that they were pleased with the bilateral commitments made and the pledges for future works.
“President Ali and Prime Minister Modi held extensive discussions on bilateral, regional, and multilateral issues of mutual interest, demonstrating their shared commitment to bolstering their bilateral relations as well as advancing cooperation at the multilateral level,” a joint statement issued by Georgetown and New Delhi said.
“The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening [the] partnership between the two countries and expressed satisfaction with the work of the joint working groups in the areas of ICT [information and communications technology], defence, agriculture, infrastructure, energy, health and ayurveda and wellness, and human resources and capacity building,” it added.
According to the statement, both sides welcomed the signing of bilateral Agreements/MoUs in the fields of hydrocarbons, health, pharmaceuticals, ICT, broadcasting, culture, and agriculture, aimed at further strengthening bilateral cooperation and collaboration between Guyana and India.
It said that the two leaders emphasised the importance of energy cooperation in achieving sustainable development goals and committed to a fair and equitable energy transition.
“They agreed to the strengthening of bilateral hydrocarbon trade and cooperation in petroleum products, sharing of best practices, technology transfer, and investment in the gas-to-energy project, fertilizer production, mining collaboration and deep-water port infrastructure, and in clean energy initiatives. They reaffirmed the importance of creating partnerships aimed at developing solar energy and committed to continued collaboration bilaterally and through the International Solar Alliance to promote the development of renewable energy and building capacity in the field of solar technology applications, with a view to enhancing energy access and ensuring energy security,” the statement read.
Further, it added, “The two sides commended the formation of the Global Biofuels Alliance (GBA) and recognized biofuels as a sustainable, low-carbon option to achieve decarbonization commitments and deliver greater economic and social development for the peoples of both countries.”
And during the three days of discussions on a range of issues where technological and digital advancements were underscored, the statement noted that the two leaders recognised the vital role both play in economic growth and social development and pledged continued collaboration in the areas of digital transformation governance and capacity building.
They also highlighted the vital role of capacity building in sustainable development and committed to continued collaboration through the India Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme in various fields including information technology, agriculture, and healthcare. They also committed to the expansion of the ITEC mechanism to strengthen human resource development.
When it came to defence and security, an area that India focusses on and which its 2024 Budget saw over US$73 billion budgeted, the two leaders agreed to enhance cooperation, recognising the importance of a stable and secure environment.
“Guyana and India committed to increasing joint exercises, training and capacity building, information sharing, joint projects and collaboration in counter-terrorism efforts. They decided to focus on defence industrial cooperation, particularly in armaments and infrastructure development,” the statement said.
Acknowledging the crucial role of the agricultural sector in advancing food security and nutrition, the two sides expressed a shared commitment to strengthening collaboration in this sector. Emphasis will be placed on exchanging information technology and expertise to enhance the efficiency of the agriculture and allied sectors. This collaboration aims to promote climate resilient and precision agriculture, foster Digital Public Infrastructure and create a supportive ecosystem for farmers, particularly smallholders.
As Guyana forges ahead with its infrastructural development, the statement said that the two countries noted the critical role of infrastructure in economic growth and committed to promoting collaboration on urban infrastructure projects which would enhance connectivity and promote sustainable development, focusing on transportation, smart city initiatives and affordable housing.
Healthcare, where India is one of the largest pharmaceutical producers, also took focus during discussions and the two leaders underscored their commitment to working together to enhance the provision of healthcare through sharing of expertise, especially in advancing telemedicine and capacity building in training health workforce.
During discussions, the statement noted that, “The leaders welcomed the establishment of the Guyana/India Chamber of Commerce as a platform for intensifying collaboration between the private sectors of Guyana and India and for promoting trade and investment. They also welcomed, in this context, holding of the 9th Edition of the CII India-LAC Business Conclave held in New Delhi in August 2023, exchange of trade delegations and organization of information webinars.”
Giving support to the urgency of addressing climate change and its global multidimensional challenges was also shared. “They acknowledged that both countries were vulnerable to its impacts and pledged to cooperate on initiatives aimed at climate change mitigation and adaptation, promotion of low carbon development, and assisting in the conservation of biodiversity.”
According to the statement, the two leaders also took note of the evolving global situation, including geopolitical stresses and a heightening of conflicts, as well as opportunities for enhanced international cooperation and strengthened South-South cooperation. “They underscored the importance of respect for the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter and International Law. They stressed the importance of dialogue and diplomacy in addressing regional and global challenges.”
“The two leaders supported the need for a comprehensive reform of the United Nations, including the UN Security Council through the expansion in permanent and non-permanent categories to make it more reflective and representative of contemporary realities, including enhanced representation of small island developing states. Guyana reaffirmed its full support to India for permanent membership of an expanded United Nations Security Council,” it added.
To ensure the continued momentum in getting matters discussed achieved, the statement said that the leaders agreed to hold regular high-level meetings and consultations to ensure sustained progress of their bilateral relations.
“Both nations are committed to working together to achieve shared goals, foster peace, stability, and prosperity in their respective countries, regions and beyond,” it stated.
Receiving the warmest of welcomes and being conferred with “The Order of Excellence”, India’s Prime Minister of the Republic of India “expressed sincere appreciation to the Government and people of Guyana for the hospitality accorded to him and his delegation.”
