Georgetown/New Delhi: With Guyana’s discovery of huge petroleum reserves in its offshore waters, India will cooperate in the field of energy as a “natural partner”, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said today during talks with President Irfaan Ali, that saw the two sides ink nine MoUs and one exchange agreement.
Since starting production in 2019, Guyana has increased its crude oil production to 645,000 barrels per day (b/d) as of early 2024, all from the Stabroek block. Guyana is the third-fastest growing non-OPEC producing country currently, with crude oil production being the largest contributor to its economic growth in recent years.
PM Modi, in his media statement said, that in the field of energy, the two sides are seeing new prospects and will move forward as “natural partners”.
“In India’s energy security Guyana will have a major role. A plan is being drawn up for long-term partnership. The MoU drawn up for that will make our relations stronger,” said PM Modi.
Earlier, in his address, PM Modi recounted that he had visited Georgetown 24 years ago as a common citizen, and said he saw then that the ties between both nations are historic and deep.
PM Modi, whose visit marks that by an Indian PM after 56 years, also recounted President Irfaan Ali’s Indian origins and the fact that he was Chief Guest at last year’s Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, and added that his visit last year has helped take their relations to new heights.
He said that the two sides are drawing up a cooperative partnership for their ties, and have identified new initiatives to take forward their trade and economic ties.
He said that skill development and capacity building of the Guyanese people is an important facet of the partnership.
“In the field of agriculture too India has partnered closely with Guyana. Last year with millet seeds we are helping contribute to Guyana’s food security, as well as with rice milling, sugarcane, corn, soya and other crops, we are partnering in Guyana’s agriculture sector,” he said.
The two sides are cooperating in the field of pharma too, and India will help to set up Jan Aushadi centres in Guyana, he added.
“We look at Guyana as a trusted partner,” the PM said, expressing happiness as completion of the first section of the East Bank East Coast road project. He said the passenger and cargo ferry provided by India has helped bring more connectivity to Guyana.
“We are giving our relations a futuristic angle with India’s Digital Public Infrastructure or India Stack, to revolutionise governance, and administration.”
He said in the field of defence, the two share close ties, and mentioned the two Dornier aircraft given by India.
The two leaders also discussed global issues.
“India and Guyana are of the view that all conflicts can be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy. Both are in agreement that global institutions need to be reformed. And climate justice is of paramount importance. Both sides will continue to work together on these issues,” the PM said.
He said that 180 years ago the first Indians to arrive in Guyana laid the foundation of the bilateral
relations, and today Indians play a major role in Guyana’s development. President Irfaan Ali is himself a big brand ambassador of the Indian diaspora.
The two sides inked MoUs on :
*MoU on Cooperation in Hydrocarbons Sector: The cooperation includes sourcing of crude, collaboration in natural gas, development of infrastructure, capacity building & sharing expertise in the entire hydrocarbon value chain.
*MoU for Bilateral Cooperation in the field of Agriculture and Allied Sectors: To promote cooperation in the fields of agriculture and allied sectors through joint activities, exchange of scientific materials, information and Personnel.
*Cultural Exchange Programme (2024-27)- Aims to strengthen cultural cooperation between India and Guyana including the promotion of cultural exchanges and cooperation in the fields of theatre, music, fine arts, literature, library and museum affairs
*MoU in the field of pharma: To recognize the importance of developing close cooperation and exchanging information in the field of the regulation of medicines in accordance with their respective laws and regulations
*MoU for implementation of Janaushadhi Scheme (PMBJP) – Supply of medicines to Public Procurement Agencies of CARICOM countries at affordable prices under the PMBJP Program
*MoU in the field of medical products – Aims to establish the Medical Products Regulation Dialogue and Cooperation Framework in regards to pharmaceuticals including raw materials for pharmaceutical use, biological products, medical devices and cosmetic products.
*MoU for enabling deployment of UPI like system in Guyana – The objective of the MoU is to understand the desire to enter into each other for the possibility for deployment of UPI like real time payment system in Guyana
*Cooperation and collaboration in field of Broadcasting between Prasar Bharti and National Communications Network, Guyana – To exchange programmes in the fields of culture, education, science, entertainment, sports, news as areas of mutual interest
*MoU between NDI (National Defence Institute, Guyana) & RRU (Rashtriya Raksha University, Gujarat) – The MoU aims to establish collaborative framework between the two institutes to enhance research, education, and training in national security & defence studies.
