The visit by Indian External Affairs Minister Dr Subramanyam Jaishankar represents another milestone in the linkages that have long bound our two countries together. In a world that is increasingly appreciative of the power of sharing of democratic values, India’s commitment to those values – in the face of the challenges of governing the most populous and diverse nation on earth – has to be an inspiration to all Guyanese as we grapple with some of those challenges in our own homeland.
Unlike the Western perspective on the nature of society, which is represented by the US’ motto “E pluribus unum – “one from many” – India holds that diversity is inherent in all existence, including societies, and it is the task of Government to manage those diversities so that the society functions harmoniously. All should appreciate the wisdom of adopting that perspective.
We share a common colonial past in which our societies were ravaged and plundered by the Imperial Power – with many of the distortions still extant in the relations of “coloniality” that emerged from the formal colonial relations. While India was a beacon for the entire conquered nations of Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean when it struggled for, and then achieved, independence in 1947, it has continued in that role to those nations as they attempt to become truly independent from the systems of power, culture, and racism that stubbornly linger in the web of coloniality that entangles us all. Indian culture presents a holistic alternative world paradigm.
In the immediate post-colonial era, India took a lead in a “non-aligned” approach – in which we participated – during the Cold War that emerged out of WWII. As the world evolves into a multipolar world in which India is emerging as a significant player, it behooves us to observe their moves as they manoeuvre in this brave new world. Politically, India is a member of BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa), and though the grouping has not proven to be as effective as was originally envisaged, it remains as a creative alternative in the fast-changing world order.
Economically, with its present GDP of US$3.12 trillion, India has already surpassed its erstwhile colonial ruler Britain – which, ironically, was built on the back of its empire – to become the fifth largest global economy. With one of the highest growth rates in the world, India is projected to become the third-largest world economy – behind China and the US – in the next 15 years. As the present Chair of G-20, India has committed to speaking on behalf of the developing world. As such, the economic linkages that we have forged since the 1960s should be nurtured and enlarged immediately. With our own financing underwritten during that timeframe from our oil revenues, we are uniquely positioned to take advantage of India’s experience and growth trajectory.
Take the area of food security, which our Government has already identified as a key pillar in the diversification of our economy, to prosper in the inevitable post-oil future. We have taken the lead in the economies of our 15-member Caricom states to cut food exports by 25% by 2025 (25 by 25), and have already launched several pilot projects in our intermediate and interior savannahs, with corn, soya, and even wheat. India has long assisted us in the development of new rice varieties – being the largest producer of rice of the varieties produced by us.
India has now taken a lead to increase and diversify the production and use of millet – another tropical grain that is a staple in Asia and Africa. It is now assisting Guyana with the introduction of this healthy grain into our food basket. Like us, India has had to deal with the impact of climate change in the agricultural sector, which was boosted by the “Green Revolution”. We can use the lessons India has been forced to learn.
The absorption of technology is one of the challenges to countries like ours, which are attempting to leapfrog the development cycle. But as can be seen from India’s ITEC scholarships, help in constructing our National Stadium, the ferry to Region One, the Ogle-Diamond Bypass Road, the improvement in our Primary Hospitals, etc., India is uniquely positioned to bridge that gap.
