GEORGETOWN (GUYANA), Nov 20: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Guyana on Wednesday, marking the first visit by an Indian head of state in over 50 years. During the historic visit, Modi expressed that his trip “will deepen the friendship between our nations.”
In a remarkable gesture, Modi was greeted at the airport by Guyana’s President Irfan Ali, Prime Minister Mark Anthony Phillips, and over a dozen cabinet ministers. At his hotel, the reception continued with the presence of Grenada’s Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell and Barbados’ Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley.
As a symbol of the strong bilateral ties between India and Guyana, Modi was handed the ‘Key to the City of Georgetown’ by the Mayor of Georgetown. This gesture is a testament to the deepening relationship between the two nations, officials said.
Modi is in Guyana on the final leg of his three-nation tour, which included attending the G20 Summit in Brazil and a visit to Nigeria. He will stay in Guyana until Thursday at the invitation of President Ali.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Modi expressed gratitude for the warm reception: “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 Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) highlighted the significance of the visit, noting that it is the first time in 56 years that an Indian PM has visited Guyana. “PM Modi received a special welcome by President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, PM Dickon Mitchell of Grenada, PM Mia Amor Mottley of Barbados, and several Cabinet Ministers of Guyana,” the MEA posted on X, alongside photos of the arrival.
In his visit, Modi is expected to meet with President Ali to discuss enhancing the strategic direction of their countries’ unique relationship. He will also pay homage to one of the oldest Indian diaspora communities, which has been in Guyana for over 185 years. Additionally, he is set to address the Guyanese parliament.
Around 320,000 people of Indian origin live in Guyana, according to the MEA. Modi’s visit will also include participation in the second India-CARICOM Summit with leaders from Caribbean countries.
The Prime Minister’s three-nation visit began with a productive trip to Nigeria, where he held bilateral talks with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and engaged with the Indian community. His visit to Nigeria marked the first by an Indian PM in 17 years.
Following Nigeria, Modi attended the G20 Summit in Brazil, where he engaged with global leaders, including US President Joe Biden, French President Emmanuel Macron, and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Speaking at the summit, Modi emphasized the relevance of India’s G20 theme, “One Earth, One Family, One Future,” and called for greater focus on addressing the crises faced by the Global South, especially regarding food, fuel, and fertilizer shortages.
On the sidelines of the summit, Modi held several bilateral meetings with leaders from countries such as Brazil, Italy, Indonesia, Portugal, Norway, Chile, Argentina, Egypt, and South Korea to strengthen cooperation in defense, trade, technology, and other sectors.
