Dear Editor,
A monetary value can’t be placed on the trip Guyana expended on security and entertainment and local transport and probably received more (in gifts, like grants) than was incurred, making it a net gain. It was a historic visit, only the second by an Indian PM, with the last being Srimati Indira Gandhi in 1968.
Guyana has had close relations with India for the last 186 years. Modi’s visit offered both countries a very unique opportunity to reflect on their longstanding relationship, to take stock of the past and take steps towards the future of even stronger partnership. This visit further cements ties with India which has been a key development partner going back since 1966 when Guyana gained independence. Credit go to the various individuals who worked behind the scenes to make the visit happen, not the least being diplomats, business people, and lobbyists. Special mention must be made of the roles of the present High Commissioner to Guyana Dr. Amit S Telang and his predecessor Dr. K.J Srinivas.
Many events occurred during Modi’s two days visit – the various visits to monuments (Promenade Gardens to pay tribute to Gandhi’s statue and Swami Dayanand, Monument Gardens to pay tribute to the Indian indentured labourers or girmityas, SVN school to pay tribute to the Swami that founded it, address to the Parliament, engaging CARICOM heads, addressing the Indian diaspora at the National Cultural Center that was built with the Indian Immigrant Fund, holding bilateral discussions and making agreements, and having private engagements with old student friends going back to the 1970s when Modi met Guyanese and Trinidadians in India and others he met at conferences in USA and Trinidad (two visits), and in a private visit to Guyana in August 2000.
India considers Guyana an important ally. India historically has helped Guyana develop. India is the largest foreign aid donor and provider of technical assistance, much more than western powers. India was and is always willing and available to aid Guyana. And the visiting PM committed to providing more assistance to Guyana. India will also like to purchase Guyanese oil at market prices for which there has not been a commitment.
In their discussions, Irfaan and Modi reviewed the close and multifaceted development partnership between the two countries and expressed satisfaction at the progress in key sectors including capacity building, infrastructure, transfer of technology, health care, climate action, agriculture, education, soft loans and line of credit, information technology, defense, and more. The value of these can’t be calculated.
The two leaders also exchanged views on regional developments and agreed to deepen cooperation in multilateral forums as well as regionally and between the two countries. It is noted that India has the second highest investment in Guyana, just behind China, leaving out oil investment (from USA). India is involved in road and stadium and construction, and in private projects, as well as in other state funded economic activities. Indians are consultant on gas to shore project and providing technical assistance on specific projects. India is also helping with digitizing of records. And India has offered to help train cricketers (male and female).
The visit was an opportunity to strengthen ties between the two countries and that and more was achieved. Critical cooperation between India and Guyana is expected to grow along with loans, technical assistance, and training of Guyanese.
Sincerely,
Dr Vishnu Bisram
