INDIA-POLITICS-Guyana President holds “comprehensive discussions” with Indian Prime Minister.

NEW DELHI, India, Guyana’s President Dr. Irfan Ali Monday held “comprehensive discussions” with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on various issues, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs.

Ali is one of two Caribbean Community (CARICOM) leaders attending the 17th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention. The convention is a gathering of Indian leaders from around the world. President Ali and his Surinamese counterpart, Chandrikapersad “Chan” Santokhi, are chief guests and will be conferred the government’s highest award to Indian overseas.

“The two leaders discussed various issues, including energy, infrastructure development, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, technology and innovation, and defense cooperation.

“Both leaders recalled the 180-year-old historical bonds of friendship between the people of India and Guyana and agreed to deepen them further,” according to the Ministry of External Affairs statement.

The Indian government had previously expressed interest in buying Guyana’s share of oil from the Stabroek Block, the giant oil reserve operated by ExxonMobil.

In his address to the convention, President Ali spoke of Guyana’s high growth over the past few years and believed that the Indian government and private sector could help the country develop vital sectors.

“The economic opportunity, growth, and potential of Guyana are open to the entire private sector of India.”

Ali said that Guyana hopes to become a global leader in energy security, climate security, food security, and other vital sectors.

According to the statement, Prime Minister Modi expressed his delight and appreciation to President Ali for accepting the invitation to receive the Pravasi Bharatiya DIvas Award.

It said arising out of the discussions, the two leaders agreed to establish working groups to advance the assessment of Guyana’s needs and the levels of cooperation to ensue.

President Ali invited Prime Minister Modi to visit Guyana later this year.

Before his departure, President Ali will hold bilateral discussions with Indian President Droupadi Murmu and attend the Valedictory Session and Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award Ceremony on Tuesday.

He will also participate in the Global Investors Summit 2023 in Indore on Wednesday.