PM receives warm welcome by Indian Community at Georgetown, in Guyana on November 20, 2024.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived in Guyana as part of his international tour, marking a historic moment as the first Indian Prime Minister to visit the country in five decades. In a heartfelt message on social media, PM Modi expressed his gratitude to Guyana’s President, Dr. Mohamed Irfan Ali, and Prime Minister Mark Anthony Phillips for their warm reception.
This visit comes shortly after PM Modi’s participation in the G-20 conference held in Brazil, further highlighting India’s expanding global diplomatic outreach.
In a significant gesture, Guyana announced that PM Modi would be conferred with its highest civilian honor, The Order of Excellence. This award underscores the strengthening ties between the two nations. Similarly, Barbados has declared its intention to honor PM Modi with the prestigious Honorary Order of Freedom of Barbados. These accolades reflect the growing influence of India on the global stage.
Guyana, the only English-speaking country in South America, has deep historical ties with India. After the abolition of slavery, Guyana became a major destination for Indian immigrants under British colonial rule. As a result, nearly 40% of Guyana’s population traces its roots to the Indian subcontinent, including descendants from India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.
Situated near Brazil, Guyana shares a long-standing border dispute with Venezuela. Despite its geopolitical challenges, the country remains a vital partner for India, particularly due to the shared heritage and the significant Indo-Guyanese diaspora.
Upon his arrival at the airport, PM Modi was accorded a ceremonial welcome. President Dr. Mohamed Irfan Ali and Prime Minister Mark Anthony Phillips personally received him, along with over a dozen Cabinet Ministers. This warm reception highlighted the importance Guyana places on its relationship with India.
The hospitality extended beyond the airport as PM Modi was greeted at his hotel by President Ali, along with Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley of Barbados and Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell of Grenada. This gathering of regional leaders underscored the broader regional significance of PM Modi’s visit.
The Indian community and the Indo-Guyanese diaspora gave PM Modi an enthusiastic and colorful welcome. Several Cabinet Ministers of Guyana participated in the celebration, reflecting the close ties between the two nations. As a mark of respect, the Mayor of Georgetown presented PM Modi with the ceremonial “Key to the City of Georgetown.”
This gesture symbolizes the enduring friendship and mutual admiration between India and Guyana, built on shared history, culture, and values.
PM Modi’s visit to Guyana is a pivotal moment in fostering stronger diplomatic, cultural, and economic ties between the two countries. The visit not only reaffirms India’s commitment to deepening its relationship with Guyana but also emphasizes the historical and emotional connections shared by their people.
