Key Takeaways
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives in Guyana for a state visit, marking the first time an Indian PM has visited the country in 56 years.
- The visit aims to strengthen India’s ties with the region and further enhance India’s friendship with CARICOM member countries.
- Historic visit: President Ali had visited India in 2023 as the Chief Guest at the 17th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, where he was awarded the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman.
Georgetown/New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Georgetown, Guyana, on a state visit, and was welcomed at the airport by President of Guyana Mohamed Irfaan Ali and senior members of his cabinet. The two leaders exchanged a warm hug.
This is the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Guyana in 56 years.
PM Modi was also accorded a ceremonial welcome and Guard of Honour at the airport on arrival late on Tuesday night, Guyana time.
The PM said in a post on X:
“Landed in Guyana a short while ago. Gratitude to President Dr. Irfaan Ali, PM Mark Anthony Phillips, senior ministers and other dignitaries for coming to receive me at the airport. I am confident this visit will deepen the friendship between our nations.”
The MEA spokesperson said:
“A special welcome!
“PM @narendramodi lands in Georgetown on a State visit to Guyana.
“In a special gesture, PM was warmly received by President @DrMohamedIrfaa1 , PM Mark Anthony Phillips & Cabinet Ministers of Guyana & was accorded a ceremonial welcome, on arrival at the airport.
“This is the first visit by an Indian PM to Guyana in 56 years.”
During the visit, Prime Minister Modi will hold discussions with President Ali, meet other senior leaders of Guyana, address the Parliament of Guyana and address a gathering of the Indian diaspora.
In Georgetown, Guyana, Prime Minister will also participate in the Second CARICOM-India Summit and hold meetings with leaders of CARICOM member countries to further enhance India’s long-standing friendship with the region, the statement said.
Earlier in 2023, President Ali had visited India as the Chief Guest at the 17th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, when he was also awarded the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman.
