India’s External Affairs Minister’s visit: “Fruitful outcome”: Guyana, India express readiness to advance relations – joint communiqué

As talks wrap up between Guyana and India following a four-day visit by External Affairs Minister of India, Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, both countries are now ready to bring their decisions into fruition.
The External Affairs Minister engaged Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister, Hugh Todd with discussions circling around bilateral, regional, and multilateral issues of mutual interest, and reaffirmed the strong and dynamic ties between both nations.

A joint communique on Sunday positioned that both Ministers “expressed satisfaction with the fruitful outcome of the visit and their readiness to advance Guyana-India relations in all areas agreed upon by the two countries”.
It was recognised that President Irfaan Ali’s visit in January 2023 to India gave the bilateral relationship a new impetus through increased cooperation, political dialogue, and collaboration in areas of mutual benefit to the two peoples and countries.
Both parties also expressed commendation for the transformative visions of their respective leaders, President Irfaan Ali and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on the establishment of a new mechanism for cooperation through Joint Working Groups in areas of mutual interest. This spans agriculture, health and pharma, ayurveda and wellness, energy, infrastructure development, technology and innovation, human resource and capacity building and defence.

It was highlighted that the signing of the bilateral agreements in the fields of hydrocarbons, health, pharmaceuticals, mobility, agriculture, extradition, among others, will serve as a catalyst for further strengthened cooperation and collaboration between Guyana and India.
Since the introduction of scholarship programmes offered by India to public service officials, technical capacity, human resource, cultural ties, and friendship between the peoples of both countries have been bolstered.
Moreover, the parties recognised that climate change continues to threaten the livelihood and sustainability of all countries worldwide. Guyana, like many other countries around the world, has taken steps to mitigate and adapt to this phenomenon through its Low Carbon Development Strategy 2030, which aims to transform the country’s economy onto a low carbon, sustainable development trajectory while simultaneously combating climate change.
On the other hand, India sowed the seeds of Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) in 2015, at the United Nations General Assembly.
The significance of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) was also recognised as commitments to advance renewable energy development is cemented. This is part of economic development plans and in accordance with international commitments to reduce carbon footprints, for the benefit and well-being of citizens in both countries and the region.
In addressing food security, the missive noted, “Guyana recognises India’s contributions in deepening the India-Caricom relationship through capacity building, promotion of bilateral trade, increased people-to-people contact and cooperation in regional and multilateral issues.”
Guyana also applauded India for its G20 presidency and its bold approach to addressing issues such as inclusive and resilient growth, green development, technological transformation and public digital infrastructure, reforming multilateral institutions, women-led development, and international peace and harmony.
“The signing of an Air Services Agreement to facilitate direct flights between Guyana and India as well as a Declaration of Intent to conclude a Mobility Partnership Agreement demonstrated the commitment of Guyana and India to further solidify the relations between the two countries.” (G12)