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Picture Courtesy: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/pm-modi-proposes-7-key-pillars-to-strengthen-ties-between-india-caricom/article68891462.ece
Prime Minister Narendra Modi became the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Guyana in 56 years.
Guyana is located on the northern coast of South America. It is bordered by:
Guyana's longest rivers are the Essequibo, Courentyne, Berbice, and Demerara Rivers.
More than 80% of Guyana is covered in forests, which contain rare orchids and tree species that can only be found there.
Agriculture (rice and sugar), bauxite and gold mining, timber, seafood, and oil and gas production are the most important economic activities.
The discovery of oil reserves has had a significant impact on Guyana's GDP, with major growth observed since drilling began in 2019.
Diplomatic relations between India and Guyana began in 1965, with the establishment of an Indian Commission in Georgetown. It became a full-fledged High Commission of India in 1968.
The Indo-Guyana Joint Commission was established in 1977 to manage economic and trade relations.
Nearly 40% of Guyana's population is of Indian origin.
India and Guyana have signed an MoU for cooperation in renewable energy. Guyana has also joined the International Solar Alliance (ISA). India has provided solar lighting systems for infrastructure projects such as Cheddi Jagan International Airport.
India and Guyana have agreed to exempt diplomatic, service, and official passport holders from visa requirements. Since 2015, Guyana nationals are eligible for tourist visas on arrival in India.
Under Vaccine Maitri, India donated 80,000 doses of the Covishield vaccine to Guyana as part of its global vaccination campaign. In addition, India donated $1 million to help Guyana upgrade its healthcare infrastructure in response to COVID-19.
India has provided significant development assistance to Guyana through the Indian Technical & Economic Cooperation (ITEC) program, supporting in several sectors.
The Prime Minister's visit to Guyana highlights India's broader strategy of strengthening relations with smaller countries as part of its Global South vision, India aims to utilize Guyana's oil wealth and strategic location to promote greater cooperation.
Guyana is establishing itself as a global oil hub, with increasing oil production. India views this as an opportunity to diversify its crude oil imports, as Guyana's oil production is expected to surpass Venezuela's by 2026.
India has strengthened Guyana's defense capabilities by supplying Dornier 228 planes and providing a Line of Credit for the purchase of patrol vehicles and radars, making this India's first defense line of credit to a Caribbean country.
Agriculture, biofuels, information technology, pharmaceuticals, and infrastructure are among the sectors in which India and Guyana collaborate.
India has helped to build critical infrastructure such as the National Cricket Stadium and solar traffic lights, as well as projects such as hospital upgrades, road connectivity, and ocean-going vessels.
India is countering China's influence by investing in infrastructure projects, such as a $100 million road project. Unlike China, India emphasizes long-term partnerships and local engagement.
The Indian Prime Minister became the fourth foreign leader to receive "The Order of Excellence" from the President of Guyana.
India and Guyana signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) to strengthen cooperation in several sectors including Health and Pharmaceuticals, Hydrocarbons, Agriculture, Banking and Payments.
India committed to establish a Jan Ausadhi Kendra in Guyana to improve access to affordable medicines.
Both agreed to collaborate on crude sourcing, natural gas, infrastructure development, and the entire hydrocarbon value chain.
Agriculture cooperation has been expanded to include joint activities, research and development (R&D), information and personnel exchanges, and food security initiatives. India also donated millet seeds to help Guyana's food security.
India and Guyana agreed to collaborate on capacity building, training, best practice exchange, and public-private partnerships to drive digital transformation.
Guyana announced plans to implement India's UPI-like real-time payment system to improve its banking and payment systems.
To ensure a stable supply of oil and foster deeper economic cooperation, India should enter into long-term agreements for oil imports from Guyana and explore joint ventures in Guyana's hydrocarbon sector.
India should prioritize collaboration in key sectors such as education, health, and digital governance. These collaborations will contribute to Guyana's sustainable and inclusive growth and also highlight India as a dependable development partner.
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PRACTICE QUESTION Q.Consider the following countries: 1. Brazil 2. Venezuela 3. Suriname 4. Columbia Which of the above countries share a border with Guyana? A) 1, 2 and 3 only B) 2, 3 and 4 only C) 1, 3 and 4 only D) 1, 2, 3 and 4 Answer: A Explanation: Guyana is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the north, Brazil to the south and southwest, Venezuela to the west, and Suriname to the east.
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